China's science month draws billions with theme of innovation

During the National Science Popularization Month, more than 360,000 science popularization activities were held across the country, with over 2 million scientists and engineers participating, according to the China Association for Science and Technology at a news conference in Beijing on Tuesday.

This year's event, themed "technology changes lives, innovation shapes the future", attracted a combined audience of more than 10 billion people online and offline.

This September saw various activities focused on frontier topics, such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and life sciences. These activities, including achievement exhibitions, showcased the country's latest scientific and technological progress, strengthened public understanding of innovation, and cultivated a culture that values science.

The spirit of science and scientists was also highlighted during the event, with special exhibitions on figures such as Yu Min and Gu Fangzhou, who dedicated themselves to China's development by fusing their personal ambition with the nation's cause.

The event showcased a strengthened national commitment to science communication. Under the revised Science and Technology Popularization Law, which took effect in 2024, September is designated as the annual National Science Popularization Month, shifting from the previous one-day event.

According to the report on the development of science popularization in China (2026), by the end of 2025, the country had 1,988 science and technology museums and science-themed museums. Construction efforts are shifting toward central and western regions and grassroots communities, with 204 township museums forming part of that rebalancing.

The science communication workforce is also expanding. Last year, China had 2.25 million full-time and part-time science communication workers. Research institutes, universities, and tech firms are encouraged to create dedicated outreach posts and recruit professionals with research backgrounds, communication skills, and innovative thinking.

The scientific literacy of citizens is rising rapidly. In 2025, 17 percent of Chinese citizens aged between 18 and 69 years old had attained scientific literacy, while 49 percent had a basic level of scientific literacy, laying a stronger human-resource base for building a science and technology powerhouse.