On October 16, China marks the 60th anniversary of its first successful atomic bomb explosion. To commemorate this milestone, the finals of the 2024 National Defense Industrial Science Popularization Explanation Competition took place at Beijing Institute of Technology, under the theme “Promoting the Spirit of ‘Two Bombs, One Satellite’ and Inspiring Innovation in National Defense Industrial Technology.”
Eighty-seven contestants from the national defense science and technology industry participated in the preliminary rounds, with 25 advancing to the finals. The competitors delivered engaging presentations on scientific knowledge and spirit across six key industries: nuclear energy, aerospace, aviation, shipbuilding, weaponry, and military electronics. Liu Jing, Deputy Director of the National Defense Science and Technology Industry Administration, attended the event and addressed the audience.
In his remarks, Liu emphasized that popularizing national defense industrial knowledge is a long-term and systematic endeavor. He urged the industry to prioritize science communication, to increase public awareness of the national defense sector, and to foster a supportive environment for national defense through broad societal engagement. Liu advocated for innovative outreach methods, suggesting the use of new technologies and approaches to enhance the quality and effectiveness of educational efforts, shifting from “dry lectures” to compelling, “living narratives.” Furthermore, he highlighted the need for cultivating specialized talent, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the pool of science communicators by improving their innovation and creativity skills through training, mentorship, and exchange programs.
At the finals, participants focused on popular topics such as boosting the spirit of “Two Bombs, One Satellite,” propulsion systems, next-generation nuclear energy, advanced manufacturing, deep space exploration, new materials, artificial intelligence, and digital applications. Utilizing audio-visual aids and other supportive tools, they artfully explained the scientific wonders in their respective fields. Experts and judges from both inside and outside the industry provided professional evaluations based on contestants’ self-developed topics and performance during live Q&A sessions.
After intense competition, two contestants were awarded first place, four received second place, and ten took home third place awards. Additionally, seven organizations, including China National Nuclear Corporation and China Aviation Engine Group, received awards for outstanding organization.
Since its inception in 2021, the National Defense Science and Technology Industry Administration has successfully held four editions of the National Defense Industrial Science Popularization Explanation Competition, expanding in scale each year. More individuals are joining the ranks of science communicators, as it has evolved into a “golden card” for popularizing scientific knowledge, promoting military culture, and igniting patriotic enthusiasm among the public.
