Students take quantum leap into new semester

Pan Jianwei(center), chief quantum scientist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), gives a gift to Students at Zhongguancun No1 Primary School in Beijing. [Photo by Zou Hong/chinadaily.com.cn]

Students at Beijing's Zhongguancun No1 Primary School received a very scientific first class of the new semester on Thursday, as Pan Jianwei, chief quantum scientist of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), gave a lecture entitled "Value of Science".

The speech, given at the school's opening ceremony, gave students a brief introduction to the history of science and well-known scientists. Pan then introduced the basic concept of quantum mechanics and quantum communication, and its value in modern science.

"Many fantasies, like clairvoyance and clairaudience, have become reality in science to some extent," said Pan, chief scientist of pilot project of quantum scientific experimental satellite at CAS. "I hope what I said today would give them some basic impression of the science and hopefully guide them to be scientist one day."

China launched the world's first quantum communication satellite named "Micius" on August 16. The technology is expected to help build a hack-proof communication system, among many other uses.

China has been trying to improve its scientific strength both in professional fields and at the popular level.

"I've been following Chinese science for 12 years, and the level of Chinese science is skyrocketing," said Mika Tirronen, counselor of education and science, Embassy of Finland, Beijing.

"This is because of long-term education, not only taking place in universities, it started from primary level."

"We encourage the students to take part in science activities at a young age," said Liu Chang, principle of the school. "We hope to plant the seed of science in them."