On the evening of September 6th, at the 2026 "Writing Youth Glory Across the Motherland" online ideological and educational campaign, academicians Shi Yunyu, Zhao Zhengguo, Chen Xianhui, and Feng Donglai shared their aspirations for the younger generation. Students from the University of Science and Technology of China also paid tribute to scientists during the event.
Aspiring to bring China's science and technology to the global forefront has been a dream cherished by generations of scientists. At this event, stories unfolded through performances depicting the patriotic dedication of "Two Bombs, One Satellite" pioneers like Qian Xuesen and Guo Yonghuai, to the "academician team" of Chen Liquan, Pan Jianwei, and others breaking new ground in critical bottleneck fields, and further to emerging talents like Lu Chaoyang and Deng Yuhao persistently tackling challenges. With heartfelt dedication passed down, each generation has inscribed their youthful chapters in the fields where the nation needed them most.
Science, by its very nature, is an endeavor of venturing into uncharted territories. Fifty years ago, cars were a rare sight on Chinese streets, yet Chen Liquan resolutely pivoted his research toward developing batteries capable of powering vehicles. This was not a momentary impulse, but the deep foresight of a scientist who understood that a key mission of researchers is to lay the groundwork for the nation's needs ten, twenty, or even fifty years down the line. Similarly, Academician Pan Jianwei has devoted three decades to quantum information technology, fully aware that this field is a cornerstone for the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, as well as a strategic high ground vital to the nation's future technological autonomy.
The stories of veteran researchers pass the baton of perseverance to the younger generation, who grasp it and press forward without pause. Deng Yuhao has followed in the footsteps of Pan Jianwei and Lu Chaoyang on the path of quantum computing research; He Yu, founder of Guoyi Quantum, spent ten years in obscurity to shatter the import monopoly on high-end scientific instruments; and Liu Sizhe, the 18-year-old founder of Shouyi Technology, developed "Forget Me Not," a project for early screening of Alzheimer's disease.
The future of science rests with the youth. With 80% of projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation undertaken by individuals under 45, and the average age of team members in major national projects like Beidou and lunar exploration hovering around 30, an increasing number of young scientific talents are stepping up as the main force and vanguard of innovation.
Youth knows no bounds, and its possibilities are endless. Many breakthroughs often begin with a spark of inspiration, growing into scientific storms with profound impact. Today's Chinese youth are enjoying an unprecedented "technological dividend." They were born into the information age, matured amidst the mobile internet wave, and now stand at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, and new energy, equipped with a better foundation, conditions, and resources for innovation than ever before. Looking at the national trajectory, the goal of becoming a scientific powerhouse by 2035 coincides perfectly with the peak professional careers of today's young scientists—a period of greatest energy, sharpest thinking, and most vibrant creativity.
Youth is synonymous with constant renewal. The "golden years" of life often foster the "golden period" of innovation. Take the evolution of artificial intelligence, for example: John McCarthy, who first proposed the concept, was under 30; the team that created ChatGPT averaged just 32 years old; and over half of DeepSeek's team are post-95s. Why has AI become a "young person's game"? It is where exploration of the unknown intertwines with the pursuit of dreams.
The competitive edge of a nation ultimately hinges on its youth. As China accelerates its transformation from a participant and contributor in global science to a pioneer and leader, it has become one of the fastest-rising nations in innovation. As more fields enter the "uncharted territory," we can no longer look for ready-made answers from others; we must chart our own course with our own compass and define possibilities with our own courage. Only when the youth dare to strive in the "unexplored," dare to wade into the "deep waters," and dare to tackle "bottlenecks" can scientific innovation hold the initiative in the next leg of the journey.
On the new journey of scientific and technological modernization, young people should consciously seek their role and seize opportunities within the nation's development blueprint. By broadening their horizons, they align themselves with the right trends, where hard work multiplies luck. A youth of limitless potential, in an era of limitless potential, will ultimately create a future of limitless possibilities.