Understanding the CAST-MoE Directive on University Science Popularization

The recent joint directive from the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST, or 中国科协) and the Ministry of Education (MoE, or 教育部), titled "Opinions on Further Strengthening Science Popularization Work in Higher Education Institutions," marks a pivotal moment for China's higher education landscape. Issued on January 30, 2026, and notified on February 27, this policy aims to embed science popularization—or kepu, the systematic dissemination of scientific knowledge to foster public understanding and appreciation—across every one of China's over 3,167 higher education institutions (HEIs) by 2030. With ordinary universities numbering 2,919 as of mid-2025, this ambitious full coverage plan seeks to transform universities from isolated "ivory towers" into vibrant hubs of scientific outreach, aligning with national goals for scientific literacy and innovation-driven development.

Science popularization in this context goes beyond casual lectures; it encompasses structured programs that integrate scientific principles into education, community engagement, and talent cultivation. The directive responds to President Xi Jinping's emphasis that "scientific and technological popularization is as important as technological innovation," building on the revised Science and Technology Popularization Law of the People's Republic of China and the Action Plan for Enhancing Public Scientific Literacy (2021-2035).

Background: Why Full Coverage Now?

China's higher education sector has grown exponentially, producing 12.7 million graduates in 2026 alone—a record high up 48万 from the previous year. Yet, despite this scale, science popularization efforts have been uneven. National statistics from 2024 reveal 2.21 million full- and part-time kepu personnel nationwide, but university-specific coverage lags, with many institutions prioritizing research over outreach. The plan shifts focus from mere existence ("有没有") to excellence ("优不优"), addressing gaps in scientific spirit cultivation amid rising demands for a scientifically literate populace to support high-level technological self-reliance.

This initiative fits into broader strategies like the Education Powerhouse Construction Plan (2024-2035), where universities serve as intersections of education, science, and talent. By leveraging HEIs' rich resources—labs, faculty experts, and student innovators—the policy aims to elevate citizen scientific culture, crucial as China navigates global innovation competition.

Core Goals: A Comprehensive 2030 Vision

By 2030, the directive envisions a perfected university kepu system where outreach plays a prominent role, student scientific capabilities are sharply honed, and social services amplify national innovation. Full coverage means every HEI, from elite C9 League universities like Tsinghua to regional colleges, establishes dedicated mechanisms, teams, and activities. This includes routine integration of kepu into curricula, events, and evaluations, ensuring measurable contributions to public scientific quality.

Guided by Xi Jinping Thought, the approach emphasizes systemic views, open sharing, and collaborative advancement, positioning universities as key players in building a science-respecting culture.

Empowering University Students Through Targeted Kepu

A primary focus is internal cultivation: infusing scientific and scientist spirits into daily academic life. Universities must weave these into ideological education, classroom teaching, and extracurriculars. For instance, implementing the "Great Scientist Promotion Project" involves lectures, using bases like those honoring Yuan Longping or Tu Youyou, and reinforcing research integrity and ethics.

Tech-infused general education courses are mandated, blending science with humanities for all majors and levels. Cross-university sharing and credit mutual recognition will democratize access, e.g., a Peking University quantum physics module available to students nationwide. Students are encouraged to join competitions like the China International College Students' Innovation Contest, "Challenge Cup," or National Youth Science and Tech Innovation Contest, channeling youthful energy into practical kepu.

Extending Reach: Social and Public Outreach Programs

Universities will host thematic events during national occasions like Science and Technology Activity Week or CAST Day, opening labs for "Science Festivals" or "Frontier Tech Experience Weeks." This transforms research outputs into engaging exhibits, fostering innovation admiration.

Bridging to K-12, programs like "Teen Talent Plans," university science camps, and "Little Engineers" provide hands-on research exposure. Volunteer teams—faculty, staff, students—will serve schools, communities, and rural areas, with experts as "science vice-principals." For more details on collaborative models, see the official directive.

Building Robust Kepu Infrastructure and Teams

Capacity elevation is critical: strengthen campus CAST branches with full-time secretaries and staff. Form hybrid teams (full/part-time, faculty/students) via training and research. Establish kepu creation centers and platforms for resource transformation.

Develop majors, dual degrees, or minors in kepu, embedding skills in STEM curricula. Social partnerships—with CAST, societies, museums, firms—will co-build labs and exhibits, linking to platforms like "Kepu China." International exchanges expand global reach.

Spotlight: Successful University Kepu Initiatives

Leading institutions offer blueprints. Tsinghua University's Science Museum hosts immersive events like "Young Talk" lectures, honored as a 2025 Beijing National Science Month exemplar. Peking University boasts two "Dianzan·Kepu China" top-100 cases: its science lecture series and earth sciences outreach base.

Other examples include Shanghai Jiao Tong University's bio-GMO and eco-bases, Zhengzhou University's Spark Stations during 2025 National Science Month, and Beijing University of Technology's mineral exhibits. Nationally, over 800 bases were certified in 2021-2025 batches, with universities prominent. These cases demonstrate resource openness, volunteerism, and impact measurement.

Addressing Challenges: From Policy to Practice

Barriers include "research-heavy" cultures undervaluing kepu, resource silos, and evaluation gaps. The directive counters with party-led mechanisms, multi-department coordination, and dedicated planning. Funding ramps up via budgets, donations; incentives integrate kepu into faculty KPIs, teaching loads, student credits/volunteer hours. Rewards honor top performers.

CAST-MoE regular consultations ensure smooth rollout, tackling issues proactively. For insights into national kepu stats supporting this push, explore 2024 national data.

Implementation Roadmap and Safeguards

Provinces, municipalities, and HEIs must align locally. Universities embed kepu in mid/long-term plans; provinces bolster coordination. Metrics evolve for efficacy assessment, promoting exemplars. This holistic assurance—from leadership to rewards—propels execution.

Implications for China's Higher Education Ecosystem

For faculty, it rebalances workloads, rewarding outreach alongside papers. Students gain holistic skills, boosting employability in innovation sectors. Institutions elevate societal impact, aiding rankings and funding. Nationally, it accelerates scientific literacy—vital with 92.9% preschool gross enrollment and 2.8亿 students—fueling self-reliance in AI, biotech, quantum tech.

Innovation thrives: kepu demystifies frontiers, inspiring youth. Universities become bridges, exporting quality content via digital platforms.

Looking Ahead: A Decade of Scientific Empowerment

By 2030, expect ubiquitous campus science festivals, widespread volunteer networks, and measurable literacy gains. Pilot successes like Beijing's 36 bases across 21 universities foreshadow scale-up. As China eyes tech superpower status, this plan cements HEIs as popularization powerhouses, nurturing a generation of informed innovators.

For higher ed professionals eyeing opportunities in this dynamic field, resources abound to contribute.

Photo by zhang kaiyv on Unsplash