On Oct 15, Xi'an Jiaotong University hosted a significant event focusing on public science literacy, gathering representatives from China and Central Asian countries. The event, titled "Integrating Science and Quality, Uniting Hearts Through Humanity," is part of the 2026 China-Central Asia Sci-Tech and Cultural Exchange Series. It was co-hosted by the China Science Writers Association, China Research Institute for Science Popularization, Xi'an Jiaotong University, and Kyrgyzstan State Technical University, with support from the Shaanxi Association for Science and Technology.

The forum aims to establish a regular dialogue platform for science popularization and enhance cooperation in youth training, creative projects, and public literacy. Wang Chunfa, chairman of the China Science Writers Association, emphasized the importance of public scientific literacy for national innovation, especially in the context of rapid advances in AI, green energy, and biotechnology. He highlighted the forum's role in fostering regular dialogue, sharing experiences, and energizing regional sci-tech and cultural exchanges.

Shao Jinyou, vice president of Xi'an Jiaotong University, reiterated the university's commitment to science popularization and its strong ties with Central Asia through initiatives like the University Alliance of the Silk Road. The university aims to contribute to a closer China-Central Asia community with a shared future.

The event featured presentations from various experts. Zhang Lijie discussed fostering young sci-pop talent, while Akylbek Chymyrov shared insights on AI-enabled education. Wang Qiuwang highlighted the Belt and Road Joint Laboratory for Clean Energy, and Makhmadzoir Kayumov talked about training young science communicators. Sofiya Ushurova analyzed how China-Central Asia cooperation boosts regional growth and connectivity.

The roundtable, moderated by Li Honglin, included discussions on collaborative pathways for improving public science literacy and training youth in science popularization, with participants from both China and Central Asia contributing their insights.