The future rests in the hands of our youth. This year's National Science Week ran from May 24-31, 2025, and May 30 happened to be the ninth National Sci-tech Workers' Day. On this occasion, PUMCH's State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe and Rare Diseases hosted an Open Day event, which featured the "Future Scientists Program" youth science course. Forty teachers and students from Wuyi Primary School (Daxing No. 1 Campus) of Haidian District, Beijing visited the laboratory to explore the fascinating world of life sciences.

"I hope you will pay tribute to our senior scientists and frontline researchers by embracing your own science dreams, learning with passion and exploring it with zeal," Academician Zhao Yupei told the students, encouraging them to embrace the scientific spirit and harbor aspirations of becoming scientists that will advance our nation's progress. President Zhang Shuyang added: "Always stay curious about the unknown and plant the seeds of scientific discovery in your hearts." She encouraged students to follow in the footsteps of medical scientists, set ambitious goals, and turn their interests into meaningful action. She looked forward to seeing these budding scientists grow and flourish.

▲Honorary President Academician Zhao Yupei, President Zhang Shuyang and others presented "Future Science Star" certificates to students

The event featured three well-designed parts: interactive youth science courses, artwork exhibitions highlighting sci-tech workers' achievements, and science-themed photography displays. Through exhibitions and displays, hands-on activities, guided tours, and multimedia presentations, the program brought scientific knowledge and achievements from the laboratory to the broader public, helping young people better understand both the professional dedication of sci-tech workers and the value of research.

During the youth science courses, young researchers from the State Key Laboratory delivered fascinating sessions on "Magical Bacteria", "The Smallest Unit of Life", "Nature's Colorful World", and "A Tribute to Laboratory Animals". Students learned about bacterial and cellular structures and functions, the role of pathology in medicine and the slide preparation steps, and the classification and medical applications of laboratory animals. Through microscopes, they observed bacteria and living cells, and with guidance from researchers, examined live mouse embryos and conducted mice movement/response tests, diving deeper into life science mysteries.

Students then visited two compelling exhibitions. The first featured paintings depicting the lives and outstanding achievements of five recipients of the National Science and Technology Award (the highest honor for scientists in China), helping students appreciate the attributes required for scientific excellence. The photography exhibition showcased 28 stunning microphotographs, including cellular views of diseases like pancreatic cancer and skin conditions, revealing mysteries of life sciences from a microscopic perspective while inspiring greater interest in biological sciences.

"We created greeting cards featuring cellular structures and pathology slides ourselves, and we observed mouse experiments. We saw how amazing and precious life really is!" one student exclaimed. "I want to become a scientist too!" echoed another from Wuyi Primary School. Students did find the experience rewarding.

Even the certificates contained a thoughtful touch. "Each medal contains seeds that students can plant and watch grow," staff explained. This clever design mirrors the day's purpose—just as the seeds will sprout into plants with proper care, today's experience aims to cultivate scientific curiosity in young minds that will flourish into a lifelong passion for discovery.

"This event ignited students' enthusiasm for scientific exploration while strengthening their commitment to learning and pursuing scientific aspirations," noted Deng Rui, Director of Moral Education at Wuyi Primary School (Daxing No. 1 Campus). Song Yimin, Director of General Office of the PUMCH Daxing Campus, added: "Our State Key Laboratory will continue to host science lectures and laboratory tours for students, researchers, and the public from time to time and carry out more enriching science activities for the public."

Written by Hong Chenwei and Chen Xiao

Photographed by Sun Liang