At 82 years old, he completed three deep-sea dives in the South China Sea over just nine days. By 85, he became a popular science video blogger, amassing over a million followers and earning the affectionate title “The Playful Ocean Scholar” from netizens. Now, nearing 90, WANG Pinxian, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and renowned marine geologist, has released a new popular science book, Science and Culture: An Academician’s Perspective on the Source of Innovation. He is also a professor at the School of Ocean and Earth Science at Tongji University.
Where does science come from? What are the highlights of Chinese culture? How can we foster more innovation in science? These are some of the fundamental questions addressed in Prof. WANG’s latest book, which was officially launched both online and offline at the Shanghai Science Hall on September 23, offering valuable insights into these inquiries.
This book is an edited and revised compilation of lectures Prof. WANG delivered in 2021 as part of the “Science and Culture” general education course at Tongji University. His goal in offering the course was to “build a bridge between science and culture, even if it’s just a small wooden bridge tucked away in the corner of campus.” The course sparked widespread interest among students, with eight lectures given, each consisting of two sessions, consistently filling to capacity.
“If this book can inspire the cultivation of a culture of scientific innovation, provoke societal reflection, and especially encourage young students to think deeply, that would be the greatest reward for this work,” said Prof. WANG.
Tens of thousands of people attended the book launch, both in person and online, including many young students from Tongji University and other universities in Shanghai. The event concluded with a standing ovation in honor of Prof. WANG Pinxian.
Source：Publicity Department
