To deepen Women's Action for Scientific and Technological Innovation, a sci-tech study tour, one of the special events of the 2026 Science Popularization Empowerment Plan, was held in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, on June 28.
Themed "Cultivating Virtue and Knowledge, Exploring Food Safety," the activity brought together 30 children from families in new business sectors or living in difficulties, and paired them with 15 girl college student volunteers. More than 10 representatives from the Department for Women's Development of Jiangsu Women's Federation, Jiangsu Women and Children's Activity Center, and Jiangsu Women's Association for Science and Technology also participated in the activity.
At the opening ceremony, Xing Weihong, President of Jiangsu Women's Association for Science and Technology and professor of Nanjing Tech University, emphasized the vital role of women sci-tech workers in science popularization endeavors. She encouraged participants to learn more about the country's efforts to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, and use scientific knowledge to protect personal diet health and that of their families. She also encouraged the volunteers to guide the children with responsibility and love, and nurture the seed of science in their heart.
The tour began at Nanjing Tech University's history museum, where vintage photographs, archival documents, and stories of distinguished alumni brought its century-long development in materials and chemical engineering to life. Through the docent's vivid introduction, children listened intently to the moving stories of generations of researchers, planting seeds of diligence and intellectual ambition in their own hearts.
During their visit to a key laboratory of materials-oriented chemical engineering, the children were amazed by the cutting-edge sci-tech equipment, advanced research directions and fruitful results. They observed professional setups up close to further understand the rigor and mystery of a top-tier lab and gain an intuitive understanding of the robust progress of China's science and technology sector.
The most anticipated segment was the hands-on experiment session, which featured four distinctive interactive activities. Donning full protective gear, children carefully operated equipment, observed experimental phenomena, and recorded their discoveries. Through on-stage interaction, group observation, and hands-on practice they experienced the unique joy of science while honing their observation, thinking and teamwork skills.
This study tour was an important component of the Women's Action for Scientific and Technological Innovation. It connected resources held by universities and Jiangsu Women's Association for Science and Technology to help target children gain an access to science popularization at the university level. It also served as a high-quality volunteer platform for girl college students, fostering meaningful dialogues between women sci-tech workers, girl college students and children.
In the next step, Jiangsu Women's Federation will further expand the Women's Action for Scientific and Technological Innovation, coordinating and connecting various scientific and educational resources from universities, research institutes and tech enterprises. With the support of Jiangsu Women and Children's Activity Center and other out-of-school venues, it is expected to carry out more public welfare science popularization and study tours in a drive to cultivate a new generation of young people who are keen to science, dare to engage in exploration and dedicate themselves to serving the nation through science and technology.
(Source: Jiangsu Women's Federation/Translated by Women of China)
Editor: Wang Shasha
