On October 24, 2025, as one of the key satellite events of the World Laureates Forum (WLF), the themed program “Scientific Relay to the Future — World Laureates Meet Lingang Youth” was successfully held at the Tongmeng Theater of the Lingang Youth Palace. The event aimed to build a bridge of dialogue between world-leading scientists and Lingang’s young students, sowing the seeds of scientific curiosity in youthful minds. It also supported the Lingang Special Area in strengthening science education among adolescents and cultivating the next generation of innovators.
Outstanding student representatives from multiple Lingang schools participated enthusiastically, creating a lively atmosphere. Two accomplished scientists from different research fields were specially invited to deliver keynote talks. Through their profound insights and engaging storytelling, they presented two captivating scientific journeys filled with inspiration and discovery.
01 An Unusual Classroom
On the stage of Tongmeng Theater stood two very special “teachers.”
Dr. Liang Dong, Senior Scientific Editor of the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences and Special Advisor for Partnership Development in China
Dr. Liang Dong has long been active in international science communication. In his lecture titled “From the Laboratory to the World: The Key Qualities of Successful Contemporary Scientists,” Dr. Dong went beyond technical knowledge to discuss the inner qualities and growth paths of scientists. Drawing on his own experiences and those of many researchers he has worked with, he explored the essential traits of a great scientist: a spirit of exploration, perseverance, and a global perspective.
Rather than explaining abstract formulas, he painted a vivid panorama of the scientist’s life. In his words, science is not only a collection of instruments in the laboratory, but also a way of seeing the world, a spirit of endless curiosity and discovery.
“A true scientist,” he concluded, “always carries the heart of a curious child.”His words deeply resonated with the young audience.
Professor Sisi Zhang, Associate Professor in the Department of Language Sciences and Technology and Director of the Language, Music and Neurocognition Laboratory at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Next came Professor Sisi Zhang. In her talk “Sleep and Cognitive Development,” Professor Zhang brought science back to students’ everyday lives. Using recent findings in neuroscience, she systematically explained how sleep affects memory, learning ability, and brain development.
Through vivid examples, she revealed how this seemingly ordinary physiological process profoundly shapes thinking and growth. “Staying up late is not a badge of youth,” she reminded them, “High-quality sleep is the true safeguard of intelligence.”Her relatable scientific advice drew nods of recognition from the students.
02 A Meeting of Minds
The Q&A session brought the event to its climax. Students eagerly raised their hands to ask questions about the qualities of a good scientist, the practical applications of sleep science, and other scientific curiosities.
Dr. Dong leaned forward to listen carefully to each question, sharing insights from his international research experiences that opened new windows of understanding for the students. Professor Zhang, with her keen observations and witty analogies, translated complex principles of brain science into wisdom easily connected to daily life
In those moments, the boundary of age seemed to fade. What remained was a shared pursuit of scientific truth.
03 Passing the Torch of Science
At the end of the event, student representatives presented flowers to the two scientists. The gesture symbolized not only gratitude but also the passing on of the scientific spirit. In the exchange of smiles and glances, one could almost see the seeds of science quietly sprouting in young hearts. The students realized that scientists are not distant figures but approachable mentors, and that science itself is not confined to textbooks but a lifelong journey of exploring the unknown.
Through this “Scientific Relay to the Future” program, the scientists’ personal engagement and deep conversations successfully planted the seeds of curiosity among Lingang youth. The event broadened their scientific horizons, strengthened their understanding of research, and ignited a lasting passion for exploration and discovery.
Empowering Future Innovators Through the Lingang Innovation Foundation
As a co-organizer of the event, the Shanghai Lingang Science and Technology Innovation Development Foundation played an active role in planning and execution, witnessing the spark of scientific inspiration being passed on to the younger generation. The Foundation is dedicated to fostering a dynamic innovation ecosystem, with a mission to inspire youth interest in science and cultivate future innovators.
This “Scientific Relay to the Future” program exemplifies the Foundation’s commitment to connecting top scientific resources with creative approaches to youth science education.
Looking ahead, the Foundation will continue leveraging its organizational strength to launch more high-quality science-popularization activities, innovation competitions, and talent-training programs, further nurturing a vibrant source of innovation for both Lingang and Shanghai. Through these efforts, it aims to help transform the Lingang Special Area into a global hub for scientific innovation and high-level talent.
Source: Lingang Childrens Palace, Shanghai Lingang
