On the morning of May 20th, the opening ceremony of Hubei Science and Technology Week in 2019 was held at China University of Geosciences (Wuhan). The opening ceremony was hosted by Science and Technology Department of Hubei Province, Publicity Department of CPC Committee of Hubei Province and Hubei Association for Science& Technology, and organized by Wuhan Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and China University of Geosciences (Wuhan). The attendees included Zhou Hongyu, deputy director of the Standing Committee of the Provincial People's Congress, and Agricultural Life Science and Technology Base and museum of HZAU.

With the theme of “GM makes life better”, Agricultural Life Science and Technology Base introduced GM knowledge and the latest progress of GM technology to the public, which helped them treat GM products rationally. Many citizens and primary school students gathered around the booth to ask questions about GM, and associate professor Zhou Fei, a member of the GM rice research team, patiently answered them. They also brought the material objects at stages of rice research and development so as to vividly display the process of GM rice early cultivation, and distributed brochures such as Science Popularization in HZAU, GM and Our Life and Ten Questions about GM.

The museum brought some of her collections, including specimens of blue peacock, green peacock, albino raccoon dog, raccoon and many rare and endangered butterflies. Many visitors were attracted to take photos with the specimens and to explore the beautiful natural world together.

It is reported that Hubei Science and Technology Week has been held for 19 consecutive years since 2001 and has become a popular science activity brand with the longest duration, high public participation and great social influence. This year, focusing on the theme of “Science & Technology Strengthening the Country, Science Popularization Benefiting the People”, this activity demonstrated the achievements of science and technology innovation and major special results of Hubei in 56 booths, which improved scientific awareness, ability and literacy of the public.

Translated by Li Zhen

Proofread by Xie Lujie