The Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) held its 2026 Physics Public Science Day at the Liangxiang campus on Oct 17, drawing more than 500 primary, secondary and university students to a full day of science activities.

Yao Yugui, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and dean of BIT's School of Physics, and Zhang Yingxun, a research fellow at the China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE), attended the event together with faculty members and guests from the School of Physics and partner organizations on and off campus.

Addressing the students, Zhang shared his own educational journey and his understanding of science communication. He encouraged them to remain curious about the world around them, to build a solid foundation in basic science, and to turn that interest into sustained effort in the pursuit of science.

Yao delivered a lecture titled "Reflections on Doing Basic Research", drawing on his experience in both research and science communication. He presented the beauty of physics in accessible terms and explained why basic research matters, urging students to cultivate a lasting interest in science.

At the opening ceremony, a cooperation plan for the Light Chasers popular science book and the Yunli Science STEM courses were released, with several teachers appointed as course advisers and coaches.

Now in its eighth consecutive year, the Physics Public Science Day featured six sections, including activities that integrate research with science education, laboratory study tours, and an exhibition on innovation and entrepreneurship education.

The event was also livestreamed to a primary school in Qujing, Yunnan province. The online link-up continued the school's efforts to broaden the reach and coverage of its science communication programs beyond Beijing.