The 2024 Shanghai Science Festival will be held from May 18 to 31, featuring a lineup of 2,000 thematic activities. [Photo/thepaper.cn]

Shanghai is setting the stage for a two-week extravaganza of science, innovation, and education as the 2024 Shanghai Science Festival will take place from May 18 to 31, announced the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Science and Technology.

With a lineup of 2,000 thematic activities spread across six major sections, the festival promises a range of experiences for attendees. These sections include the grand opening and closing ceremonies, thought-provoking conferences, engaging public activities, thrilling competitions, and enlightening media science popularization initiatives. The overarching goal is to promote the popularity of science for the benefit of the public, making science more accessible and engaging for all, according to the commission.

Themed "Science Makes Life Better" the festival aims to position Shanghai as a global science and technology hub, championing the spirit of scientists and innovation. Additionally, the event will focus on enhancing science education among teenagers, nurturing the next generation of scientific minds.

A highlight of the festival will be an unprecedented metaverse red carpet show during the opening ceremony. This innovative concept will transport the audience into the exclusive metaverse scientific worlds of various scientists, seamlessly blending traditional red carpet glamour with cutting-edge technology.

Fourteen groups of esteemed technologists will grace the red carpet, including academicians from the prestigious Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, young scientists making waves in their fields, and dedicated science education professionals.

Throughout the festival, nearly 270 science popularization bases in Shanghai will come alive with a variety of engaging activities, according to the organizer. Among these, 47 bases will offer special discounts to attendees, encouraging more people to explore the wonders of science and technology. Popular destinations such as Shanghai Chang Feng Ocean World and the Shanghai Wild Animal Park will be among the venues offering discounted access, providing a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Source: thepaper.cn