Scientists take to TV and Weibo to spark public bonanza(2)

Xu Lai, editor in chief of Guokr. Photo: Li Hao/GT

In China, even those scientists who do have some name recognition - such as Qian Xuesen (1911-2009) and Yuan Longping - are mainly idolized for what they've managed to accomplish in their respective fields, rather than any contributions they might have made to promote a greater understanding of science among the general populace.

The problem is exacerbated by how science related news stories are handled in the Chinese media, with reporters sharing the general public's ignorance of scientific discourses.

"In China, the word 'expert' has been demonized. This is because the media delivers inaccurate or incomplete information," said Wei.

In particular, Wei expressed his consternation concerning a 2013 short online documentary presented by former CCTV host Cui Yongyuan. The documentary claimed that scientists in the US have not come to an agreement about genetically modified food, and furthermore, that the reason genetically modified foods had become widely accepted and consumed in the US was because of a lack of understanding about genetically modified food among the public there.

"Research has shown that genetically modified foods that are readily available in supermarkets are completely safe," Wei said. "There is nothing mysterious about the science behind genetic modification. The argument in Cui's film, which is based on nothing more than a conspiracy theory, undermines the assiduous efforts of Chinese scientists over the past decade."

Wei said that he joined Super Brain in an attempt to turn the tide.

"There is a public demand for science. The mass media needs to work with scientists to find more ways of increasing the level of scientific literacy among the general public."

Grass-roots advocacy

Away from the glitz and glamour of the television studios, with its bright lights and throngs of adoring fans, efforts to popularize science are also being made by grass-roots scientific communities.

In 2008, a group of freelance science writers established the Songshuhui Association of Science Communicators (SASC). Their goal, according to the association's mission statement, is to be like "squirrels" who "strip bare the shells of science to the public."

In 2013, SASC co-founder Ji Xiaohua launched a website, guokr.com, to further their aims. Guokr's approach to educating the public about science is to tie scientific discourses to current affairs and social issues, as well as to pop culture. To ensure that articles are relevant and accessible to a general audience, Ji hired a Chinese Language major, Xu Lai, to act as editor in chief.

"We believe all news stories can be scientific news stories, regardless of whether they are about society, entertainment or sport," said Xu, who previously worked as an editor for a number of newspapers including Oriental Morning Post and the Beijing News. Contributors to the website include college science majors, science teachers and research fellows.