2016 National Science Docent Competition was concluded at GDSC on May 28, 2016. 18 science docents shortlisted from across the nation presented their impressive skills and expertise as science docent, offering a feast of science and art for the audience and netizens. Through fierce competition, 10 contestants including Jiang Shun from Shannxi, Hu Xiaoqi from Chongqing, and Xiang Yutong from Heilongjiang won the First Prize and were awarded the title of Top 10 National Science Messengers.  Contestants Zhou Zhanyan from GDSC won the Second Prize, and Chen Jianqiu the Honorable Mention.  

Government officials and guests were invited to watch the competition and present the awards to the winners, including Ma Zhengyong, Director of the Organizing Committee of the competition and Party Secretary and Director of Guangzhou Science Technology Innovation Commission; Dr. Qiu Chengli of Department of Policies and Regulations of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Deputy Director and Secretary-general of the Organizing Committee; Ma Shu, Inspector and member of Party Leadership Group of Guangzhou Science Technology Innovation Commission; Lu Jingui, Director of GDSC; Chen Xiong, Chief of CSTEC Science Popularization Division; and Zhu Caiyi, member of the Organizing Committee and Deputy Party Secretary of GDSC.    　 

The truth of the first ever semi-automatic pistol in the world, science about bulletproof vest, the past and present of ancient architectural paintings, as well as issues of nuclear power… On the stage of finals, 18 contestants used the simplest language to vividly explain various science knowledge and principles through a number of auxiliary measures including props, images and music, drawing rounds and rounds of applauds from audiences present. With their impressive explanations, science is no longer a mystery but getting closer to our daily life.  

The expert jury is made up of renowned experts including Academician Liu Renhuai of China Academy of Engineering, Dong Shuwen, Deputy Director of China Academy of Geological Sciences and professor from Nanjing University; Xu Bei, Deputy Director of Science and Education Channel with Chongqing TV and director-level reporter. 70 other representatives from science and technology department of other province, autonomous region, direct-controlled municipality and special designated city, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, as well as relevant organizations from the central government, departments of the State Council and direct subordinating organs were chosen as the audience jury. 　 

After the competition, Academician Liu Renhuai, the Chief Advisor of the competition and the Chair of the expert jury, commented that the national science docent competition is an event of far-reaching significance. It is very important for improving the citizens’ science literacy and promoting the revival of the Chinese nation. Contestants of the finals are impressive in terms of both the topics presented and interpretative skills. Their interpretations are eye-pleasing and eye-opening with well-informed contents, vivid language and elegant demeanor. He hopes that the science popularization professionals need to pay more attention to the different facets of the social and scientific development and make science part of people’s daily life and mindset.   　 

Dr. Qiu Chengli of Department of Policies and Regulations of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Secretary-general of the Organizing Committee said in his concluding remarks that the competition is a perfect combination of science and arts and an innovative way of science communication. The contestants have made some innovation with their interpretation contents, means, skills and methods, demonstrating the highest level of science docent in China. He added that three such competitions had already been launched, and this session of competition is the largest with 160 contestants from 54 delegations. The contestants are all well prepared and their topics covers various scientific fields. They make the competition a great opportunity to disseminate the profound science knowledge, showcase the unique beauty of science and facilitate the audiences science literacy.    

Guangdong Radio and Television provided a recorded broadcast for the entire competition. The premiere was scheduled at 20:10pm, May 31st on Guangdong Modern Education Channel. The Southcn.com also live broadcast the completion online, which was available for rerun at http://www.gdsc.cn/qgkpjj2016 

Zhou Zhanyan and Chen Jianqiu from GDSC at the competition

Contestants interpreting science at the finals