30 October 2024
From 17–19 October 2024, the PCST Suzhou Symposium took place in Suzhou, China, gathering 209 participants from 26 countries. This dynamic event featured four roundtable discussions, 14 parallel sessions, two workshops, a poster exhibition, and a captivating science and art showcase titled Science in Gardens. Centred around the theme Cross-Cultural Science Communication: Methods, Perspectives, and Challenges, the symposium aimed to bridge cultural divides and foster meaningful dialogue in science communication.
About the Symposium
The Suzhou Symposium was hosted by Soochow University and the University of Science and Technology of China, with Professor Guoyan Wang as its chair. PCST network president, Professor Sook-kyoung Cho, highlighted the transformative influence of artificial intelligence on society, the economy, and culture, underscoring how the symposium offered an opportunity to confront misinformation and establish new platforms for science communication. This was a particularly meaningful event, marking PCST’s return to China after two decades.
The four roundtable discussions delved into the following themes:
- The culture of PCST in promoting global science communication
- Building science into creative cultures
- Supporting science communicators for professional cultures
- Communicating science for cohesive cultures
For the first time, the symposium integrated AI-powered simultaneous translation and an AI avatar host, enhancing accessibility and engagement. Six prominent institutions lent their support, including the Chinese Society for Science and Technology Journalism, the Jiangsu Science Communication Center, and the Suzhou Association of Science and Technology. Academic journals, such as Public Understanding of Science, Science Communication, and Journal of Science Communication, also backed the event.
This symposium created valuable connections between PCST researchers and practitioners in China, Asia, and globally, strengthening the growth of the international PCST community.
About Science in Gardens
Science in Gardens, held on the evening of 17 October, featured a spectacular light, sound, and electric show set in the historic Humble Administrator’s Garden. This exhibition celebrated the garden’s architectural and ecological heritage, with inspiration drawn from ancient Chinese natural philosophies. Curated by Professor Massimiano Bucchi, the event fostered cultural exchange by blending science, music, and art. A joint performance by Professors Bucchi and Guoyan Wang included poetry recitals and artistic interpretations that connected science with cultural narratives.
About Soochow University and the Science Communication Research Center
Located in the culturally rich city of Suzhou, known as “Heaven on Earth,” Soochow University is one of China’s top 20 institutions. In 2019, Professors Guoyan Wang and Hepeng Jia co-founded the Science Communication Research Center, which now includes 12 full-time faculty members. Together, they have published over 100 papers in leading journals and secured numerous national and provincial research grants in science communication. The center’s expertise spans public science communication, science journalism, policy and ethics, and health and environmental communication. Researchers at the center explore key issues, including AI’s impact, the role of science literacy, and public attitudes toward science, health, and climate in China.
Participants from 26 countries come together at the PCST Suzhou Symposium.
Delegates dive into collaborative dialogue during the symposium’s roundtable discussions.
AI-powered translation and an AI avatar host bring a new level of interaction to the conference.
