The 5th Science Festival for the Youth of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) was held on November 1-2. It is part of the first Science Festival of the Core Botanical Gardens of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). With the banner of “Science in My Words”, it is an event to share the very best research taking place at the CAS core botanical gardens with the public.
The theme of the science festival is “Have a crush on plants”. In addition to poster communication, it included such activities as rainforest science forum, “fun palm kingdom” trip, “art meets science exhibition” guided tours, “visit Prof. CAI’s village” activity, etc.
148 conference style poster presentations (by students and young researchers from XTBG, South China Botanical Garden, and Wuhan Botanical Garden) showcasing progress in science are made, including rare and exotic plants, code of big trees, wisdom of living, breeding techniques, etc. Some equipment and research samples are also on show.
The displays of some important resource plants and products such as Inca Peanut, kiwifruit, upland rice, medlar, passion fruit, fleagrass are of extremely interest to the public, especially to local primary and middle school students. The models of parasitic flowers, plant fossil specimens, and research equipment also arouse interest among the visitors.
Prof. Yang Yongping, CPC secretary and deputy director of XTBG, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony. He said that the science festival will, from different angles, lead more people to better understand tropical rainforest and approach plant sciences. Meanwhile, it will increase interest and awareness of people to study and protect tropical rainforest in China.
The young researchers and graduate students gathered together at the festival to showcase, to interact and exchange ideas, which may enhance their knowledge and get some stimulus for their future studies.
Many students (across primary and secondary levels), educators, and tourists participated in the science activities on the opening day. The science festival at XTBG also went virtual, allowing science enthusiasts to understand research stories taking place in CAS core botanical gardens.
The 1st Science Festival of CAS core botanical gardens is part of the 3rd CAS Science Festival from Oct. 31 to Nov. 6.
Prof. Yang Yongping address the opening.
Visitors look around the science festival.
Models of parasitic flowers attract visitors.
Rainforest sceince foorum.
Fun palm kingdom tour.
Science festival at Wuhan Botanical Garden.
Science festival at South China Botanical Garden.
