2025 “Girls Shaping the Future” Program Brings Women in STEM to Campus
Date:2025-6-30 16:40:26 Views:
The 2025 “Girls Shaping the Future” program, themed Youth Visible, Youth Powerful,” highlights the critical role of new energy in advancing technological innovation, driving social progress, and supporting global sustainable development goals. Through a series of initiatives—including women in STEM campus visits, innovation thinking camps, Model United Nations (UN) simulations, and creative science projects—the program empowers young women to explore energy topics and engage with global challenges in sustainability. Recently launched, the program invites female scientists from emerging new energy sectors, such as nuclear and biomass energy, into schools to lead campus-based scientific outreach. By sharing their expertise in cutting-edge fields and serving as inspiring role models, these women help ignite a passion for science and open pathways for girls to pursue futures in STEM.
Green Energy Outreach Sparks Scientific Curiosity
Through engaging explanations, real-world case studies, and interactive demonstrations, female scientists are sparking scientific curiosity in young women and introducing them to the world of new energy. At Heping Future Experimental Primary School, under the Haidian District Academy of Educational Sciences, Wei Sumin—Head of Accelerator Physics Laboratory at the Institute of Nuclear Technology, China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE)—offered students an overview of the development and real-world applications of nuclear energy research. She guided students through the evolution of China’s nuclear science, from the construction of its first high-energy cyclotron in 1958 to modern advancements in nuclear physics, industrial testing, and cancer treatment, delivering her insights with clarity and inspiration.
At Shijia Experimental School in Dongcheng District, Dr. Li Hongna—a researcher at the Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences—highlighted the importance of food security, soil conservation, and biomass energy in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. She explained how agricultural waste can be converted into electricity, heat, or biofuels, promoting resource recycling and advancing sustainable development.
At Xiyuan Primary School in Haidian District, Ren Xiuyan—Director of the Isotope Electromagnetic Separation Laboratory at the Institute of Nuclear Technology, CIAE—introduced the broad technology, from food irradiation for preservation and nuclear medicine for diagnosis and treatment, to atomic clock navigation and security screening. Students also presented water rockets made from plastic bottles and cardboard, demonstrating how discarded materials can be repurposed through environmentally conscious innovation.
Women in STEM Inspire Girls to Dream in Science
Through stories of perseverance and achievement in scientific research, women in STEM are serving as powerful role models, empowering young women to pursue their own paths in science and innovation.
“I didn’t realize there were so many types of new energy,” said Zhao Yuchen, a student from Shijia Experimental School. “Biomass energy can turn waste into something useful. It’s just amazing! I’ll start by making small eco-friendly changes in my daily life.”
He Jingwen, a student from Xiyuan Primary School and a second-time participant in the Women in STEM program, shared, “These inspiring female scientists continue to motivate me. After putting in a lot of effort, I passed the Level 2 Child’s Science and Technology Literacy Level Test. I want to keep working hard and reach even greater heights in science—just like they did.”
Female scientists participating in the program also shared heartfelt messages of encouragement with the young women.
“May you make the most of your talents in the vast world of science and keep expanding your horizons. Be strong, confident, and bold in your pursuit of innovation.”
“Curiosity is a precious gift. Being introduced to cutting-edge science early in life is profoundly meaningful. On your journey in science, set clear goals, stay grounded, and always strive for greater achievements.”
The influence of these role models will continue to inspire more young women to venture boldly into the unknown and contribute their talent and vision to the future of scientific innovation.
The program was jointly organized by the Beijing Women’s Federation and the Beijing Association for Science and Technology, and co-hosted by the Beijing Women’s International Center, Beijing Science Center, Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press, and the Peking Mao Yisheng Science and Technology Education Foundation. It also received support from the CIAE, China Association for International Science and Technology Cooperation, Beijing Youth Innovation Academy, Beijing Women’s Association for Science and Technology, Beijing Female Professor Association, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Women in Engineering R10 Beijing Affinity.
