On October 21, the Ministry of Science and Technology of China published a response on its official website to proposal No. 00607 submitted by the Central Committee of the China Kuomintang during the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. This proposal focused on advancing the high-quality development of science popularization and supporting the modernization efforts in China. In its response, the Ministry stated that it would strengthen the development of science popularization talent and ensure that the effectiveness of science popularization efforts is a key consideration in evaluating science and technology talent programs.
According to the response, as of 2022, the nationwide funding for science popularization reached 19.1 billion yuan, with a total of 1.9967 million full-time and part-time science communicators. There are 1,683 science museums and technology-related museums across the country, nearly 2,000 science popularization websites, and over 8,000 science-related WeChat public accounts. In addition, 11,500 types of science popularization books were published, with a total circulation of 104 million copies. Various science popularization activities attracted over 2.8 billion participants, showcasing a robust growth in the field nationwide.
The Ministry pledged to carefully consider and incorporate the suggestions put forth by the Central Committee of the China Kuomintang and to collaborate with relevant departments to implement the following initiatives: First, deepen the understanding that “science popularization is equally important as scientific innovation.” This includes advancing reforms in science popularization supply, dismantling institutional barriers to high-quality development, and innovating in content, formats, and methods of science communication.
Second, there will be a focus on strengthening the talent pool for science popularization. The Ministry plans to establish a comprehensive training system, develop training outlines to enhance the capabilities of science communicators, and implement widespread training programs. Additionally, criteria for evaluating the performance of science popularization workers will be formulated, encouraging employers to consider these outcomes in career assessments and evaluations, thereby facilitating career advancement for science communicators. The Ministry will also improve recognition mechanisms, honoring individuals and organizations that make significant contributions to science communication in compliance with national regulations, and continuing to recognize outstanding organizations and individuals in science popularization.
Third, efforts will be made to enhance the scientific education system. The focus will be on key areas such as curriculum resource development, teacher training, innovative teaching methods, evaluation reforms, creating learning environments, and integrating social forces. The aim is to ensure a seamless connection between schools and the wider educational community, providing quality science education to primary and secondary students, thereby improving their scientific literacy and nurturing future scientists willing to dedicate themselves to research.
Finally, the Ministry will promote cooperation and exchange in science popularization. This includes strengthening communication with various regions and departments, organizing regular seminars, workshops, and meetings. There will be active efforts to establish a support mechanism for science popularization work between different regions, directing quality resources to less developed areas. Moreover, the Ministry will encourage international exchanges in science popularization as a crucial aspect of scientific communication globally, supporting organizations like the China Association for Science and Technology to join or lead international science popularization initiatives. Engagement with Belt and Road Initiative countries and ongoing collaboration in science popularization between mainland China and Hong Kong and Macau will also be prioritized.
