The "Scientists Enter Campus" science popularization event visited Mile, where scientists talked about a grain of rice and scientific dreams

" As soon as I entered the school gate, I found the campus environment very beautiful. This was my second time visiting a middle school in Dizhou, Yunnan. ” Academician Xu Zhihong opens with a casual phrase, but drags the conversation for a long time.

this scientist, now in his eighties, spoke about his connection with Yunnan. From the history of the westward relocation of the Southwest Associated University, to the origins of the Tengchong Scientist Forum, and to his annual "tradition" of attending conferences and seminars across various prefectures in Yunnan. reveals the forum's original mission to inherit the spirit of the United Nations, gather the power of technological innovation, and empower local development."

But what truly moved the children was when he talked about his own youth. "When I was in middle school, my teacher had a microscope. I would look at the scales on butterfly wings and see how seeds germinated...... Back then, I developed a strong interest in nature in my heart. He recalled his middle school years, recalling hiking and fishing by Taihu Lake, reading Darwin's theory of evolution, and falling in love with biology through his closeness to nature, eventually entering the biology department at Peking University. He reminded Maitreya's children: Yunnan has the richest variety of species and the most diverse mountains and rivers in the country, " Don't just stare at the screen; go out into nature, where nature will inspire you. ”

In Academician Xu Zhihong's eyes, every high school student is a seed: " After graduating from high school and heading out to various places, you are a full, vibrant seed. What middle schools need to do is to let this seed take root as soon as possible. ”

There are no shortcuts on the path of science; only passion can withstand the long passage of time, and only perseverance can lead to steady and far-reaching progress.

If Academician Xu Zhihong's sharing is a life lesson on "why we love science," then Professor Liu Chunming's popular science report is a vivid demonstration of "how science changes life."

" I began my seed biology research journey 40 years ago with Academician Xu. "Professor Liu Chunming's opening was equally modest. He began with a single grain of rice—ten thousand years ago, humans domesticated weeds into crops; A hundred years ago, a Dutch doctor discovered vitamin B1 in chicken beriberi and won the Nobel Prize; Over the decades, China's rice yield per mu has grown from less than 100 kilograms to nearly 500 kilograms......

he showcased two "special rices" found over many years from 36,000 seeds—mutants with thickened aleurone layers. This rice has significantly increased zinc, iron, calcium, protein, and dietary fiber, and its vitamin content is 5 to 10 times that of regular white rice.

Professor Liu Chunming's report was very "small"—"Looking at the Future Food Industry from a Single Grain of Rice," but the scope was quite broad. Starting with the grain supply of grasses and legumes, and comparing global arable land, population, and yield, it shows that food has never been just an agricultural issue, but a matter of national security. From a single grain of rice, to national health, and then to national food security—a science popularization report connects science, industry, and people's livelihoods.

report, students eagerly raised their hands and raised questions on topics such as rice breeding, grain science and technology, and life sciences. Professor Liu Chunming patiently answered each question, using plain language to break down professional principles. The on-site exchange of ideas was constant, with applause and laughter echoing continuously.

charity spreads warmth, science popularization helps growth. A donation ceremony for the Tengchong Scientists Forum Foundation was held at the event. Chen Yu, Secretary-General and Director of the Yunnan Tengchong Scientists Forum Center, represented the foundation in partnered with Runze Zhisuan Technology Group Co., Ltd. to donate an AI chess robot to Mile No. 1 Middle School, empowering young people on their scientific exploration path through concrete actions.

event, Academician Xu Zhihong, Professor Liu Chunming, and Professor Zhu Mulan moved to the school history museum and sat together to exchange ideas with 20 outstanding senior students. From research directions to career choices, from study methods to life planning, scientists answered each question one by one. Every time we answer questions, it is a sowing of scientific fire; Every collision of ideas is a transcendence of youthful ideals.

After the discussion, academicians and professors are surrounded by boys holding notebooks. Autographs, group photos, follow-up questions, thanks...... At that moment, the charm of science transforms into a warmth within reach. So-called "fan chasing" is not about the halo, but about the beam of example that illuminates the path of learning. It doesn't need to be ostentatious, but it's enough to take root and sprout in the hearts of young people.

On the campus of Mile No.1 High School, osmanthus flowers are quietly blooming. And those scientific seeds sown in the hearts of young people will one day, break through the soil and grow toward the sun.