Tengchong Scientist Forum Launches First Overseas "Science Popularization into Campus" Lecture: Academician Gao Fu Lectures on "Information Epidemics"

this person is in flu , Ebola, COVID-19, and other viruses have made significant contributions to research and control, and are renowned for discovering the novel coronavirus and developing related vaccines and antibody drugs. Pathogenic microbiology and immunologists shared original thoughts on "inforus" (Inforus), proposing the "information epidemic" caused by the spread of "information viruses" in the era of artificial intelligence (AI) (Infodemic) has become a global challenge that cannot be ignored; He also encouraged young scholars to actively engage in popular science, stating, "Popular science is the 'social vaccine' against the 'information epidemic.'"

" The virus doesn't require a passport or a visa, it crosses the border. ”  Gaofu used vivid metaphors to express the speed and uncontrollability of the virus's spread.

He cited the 2019 annual report of the Global Epidemic Surveillance Board, noting that respiratory coronavirus and influenza remain the two most likely pathogens to trigger the next global pandemic. But " What we truly need to be wary of is the 'information epidemic' that accompanies the 'bioepidemic.' ”

"Inforus" is an original concept proposed by Gao Fu—a complex mixture of truth and false information, which will spread synchronously with biological pathogens. Especially now, AI, social media, and algorithms are driving the "viral spread" of misinformation, reshaping the landscape of public health and social governance. False information spreads exponentially through social networks, with patterns highly similar to biological viruses; Conspiracy theories about the origin of COVID-19, fabricating false links between academic conferences and virus leaks, are typical cases of information epidemic harm. Now, with the widespread adoption of generative AI, the efficiency of rumor production and replication has reached unprecedented levels.

popular science dissemination aimed at the general public is a "social vaccine" against the "information epidemic," effectively reducing the public's susceptibility to false information, Gao Fu said.

Gaofu recalled that in January 2020, the Chinese CDC team quickly completed isolation, sequencing, and public alerts for COVID-19. " technical responses must be synchronized with rumor refuting and popular science." Targeted science dissemination can effectively curb the spread of false information and avoid interfering with the implementation of public health policies.

Gaofu is a call for public science popularization and a staunch practitioner, publishing almost one popular science book per year, including , etc., create bestsellers in accessible language, and the latter was selected for the 'China Excellent Science Book List' for 2025. At the same time, he has set up pandemic-themed sculptures on university campuses to enhance public understanding of public health knowledge in various ways.

This virologist, who loves reading philosophical books and a former Chinese CDC, has been tackling biological viruses with his left hand, tirelessly developing antiviral vaccines. The team's protein subunit vaccine and neutralizing antibody cocktail therapy saved millions of lives worldwide in 2021, and another candidate pan-coronavirus nasal spray vaccine has completed Phase II clinical trials; The right hand has been engaged in popular science popularization, writing tirelessly, giving lecture tours, and comprehensively promoting the "creation" of the "social vaccine." Gao Fu stayed true to his original mission, helping the public strengthen their ability to resist pandemics, fake news, and conspiracy theories through their scientific understanding.

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) has greatly accelerated the process of scientific progress, but also poses greater challenges to global scientific cooperation and collaborative governance.

" AI is a double-edged sword. "Gao Fu believes that, on one hand, in biological research, AI can handle massive mixed data in metabolism, drug discovery, and personalized medicine that the human brain cannot handle, thereby becoming a driving force for scientific research. On the other hand, artificial general intelligence (AGI), which possesses autonomous recursive iterative capabilities, may break free from human control over long-term evolution. Several global tech leaders have recently called for a halt to high-risk AGI research, "Ethical governance for AI development is now urgent."

a greater challenge to governance is the significant current gap in communication and collaboration channels between major powers, especially in the public health sector. Gao Fu said that how to build a healthier, more resilient, and more transparent world now, to ensure global active coordination and prepare in advance for the next pandemic, is something scientists should consider in advance. "The only lesson humanity has learned from history is that it has never learned from history." Gao Fu said, " But only by using interdisciplinary research methods and cross-disciplinary collaboration can more effective solutions be achieved. ”

To this end, he is actively advocating for the establishment of the International Information Epidemic Society, hoping to collaborate with researchers from sociology, psychology, computer science, and other disciplines to jointly promote academic research on the "information epidemic"; Through the academic journal "hLife", research on three dimensions of physical, psychological, and social health is included: "Health is the intact state of body, mind, and society, not just the absence of disease."

Academician Gaofu's speech sparked enthusiastic responses and discussions among the audience. During the Q&A session, the audience further discussed topics such as the definition of "information epidemic," the measurement system for information epidemic transmission models, and reflections on cross-border scientific research cooperation and responsible technology application. Academician Gao Fu stated that there are still many gaps in the field of "information epidemics," which require collaborative development by interdisciplinary scholars. He hopes scientists can collaborate beyond science itself to reasonably develop AI and related research for the public good.

After the lecture, Somsak Ruchirawat, CGI Rector, Director of the CRI Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, and Emeritus Professor, presented Gaofu with a commemorative certificate of his speech.

Academician Gaofu was invited to visit the Food and Drug Quality Experimental Center and the Biomedical Laboratory at Chulabhorn Graduate School, and met with Mrs. Khunying Mathuros Ruchirawat, Vice President and Emeritus Professor of the Chulabhorn Research Institute (CRI).

further explore how to carry out joint scientific breakthroughs through mutual visits by research institutions and joint laboratories, and cultivate the next generation of scientific leaders. Gao Fu presented his popular science book to Professor Emeritus Mathuros Ruchirawat.

The 2026 Tengchong Scientists Forum Bangkok special event was held in Bangkok, Thailand from September 20 to 22, 2026. It was jointly organized by the Thai Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation and the Tengchong Scientists Forum Organizing Committee Office, and co-hosted by the Bangkok Innovation Cooperation Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Yunnan Tengchong Scientists Forum Center, and Mahidol University, with Yunnan Baiyao Group Co., Ltd. Yunnan Watson Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Asia Hotel Management College, Thailand Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and Thai-China Overseas Chinese Business Federation jointly supported the event.