The 14th "Charm of Nuclear" Nuclear Science Summer Camp Opens at Shanghai Jiao Tong University

On July 31, the 14th “Charm of Nuclear” National Nuclear Science Summer Camp, co-hosted by the Chinese Nuclear Society and China National Nuclear Power Co., Ltd., organized by the Nuclear Power Operation Research Institute and co-organized by Qinshan Nuclear Power, opened at the Gaotian Hall on the Minhang Campus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The opening ceremony also featured lectures by academicians and experts, providing a high-quality platform for young people to explore nuclear science and technology through diverse and enriching science communication formats.

Chai Zhifang, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and honorary director of the State Key Laboratory of Radiological Medicine and Radiation Protection at Soochow University, Gao Keli, deputy secretary-general of the Chinese Nuclear Society, and relevant officials from the CNNC Shanghai Market Development Department, the Nuclear Power Operation Research Institute, and the School of Mechanical Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University jointly witnessed the launch of the camp. Xi Lifeng, executive vice president of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, attended the event and delivered a speech, while a representative of China National Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. moderated the ceremony.

Academician Chai Zhifang delivered a lecture titled “Nuclear Technology and New Quality Productive Forces,” presenting the development trajectory of nuclear technology in an accessible manner from the perspectives of scientific spirit and scientific thinking. He comprehensively showcased the core value and broad prospects of nuclear technology and patiently answered questions from campers and student representatives, offering the children a rich intellectual feast.

Vice President Xi Lifeng stated that nuclear science and technology represent a frontier field crucial to national energy security and strategic development, and that nuclear science communication serves as an important vehicle for cultivating scientific literacy among young people, guiding them to correctly understand nuclear energy and develop a passion for scientific innovation. He encouraged young people to actively explore cutting-edge technologies, dedicate themselves to nuclear science and innovation, and pursue their youthful dreams and self-fulfillment through scientific exploration.

Xie Kui, director of the Institute of Nuclear Engineering and Nuclear Technology at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, focused on “New Materials and New Methods for Isotope Separation,” delivering a concise yet substantive presentation that brought campers up close to the latest developments in nuclear energy research.

Yu Qingcheng, a soon-to-be middle school student from Beijing Kangleli Primary School, and He Haochen from Beijing No. 8 Middle School, spoke on behalf of the invited campers in the knowledge competition and nuclear science essay categories respectively. They expressed great anticipation for this “hardcore” scientific journey and pledged to bring what they learn and experience at the camp back to their schools, helping more peers understand the unique charm of nuclear energy. The ceremony also presented awards to the winners of this year’s “Charm of Nuclear” themed essay competition.

Student representatives from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the State Key Laboratory of Radiological Medicine at Soochow University, as well as media representatives from the CPPCC Daily, China Youth Daily, and Science and Technology Daily, also attended the event and visited the Shanghai Jiao Tong University History Museum and the Science and Technology Achievements Exhibition on the same day.