The torchbearers were relaying the torch, “the light of science”.

The World Young Scientist Summit (WYSS) 2024 was held at the Ouhai District Olympic Sports Center from November 15th to 17th, introducing launch ceremony of “universal gravitation π”event and “light of science” torch relay. On the afternoon of November 14th, 43 torchbearers from all walks of life, including students, entrepreneurs, young scientists, foreign experts, leading talents, and venture capitalists, relayed the “flame of science” through “waterway + land route”, lighting up the “tree of science” together.

launch ceremony of “universal gravitation π”event and “light of science”torch relay

The “Light of Science” torch relay event began at the main stage of Wenzhou Dragon Boat Sports Center and concluded at the “Tree of Science”, located in the North Square of the Ouhain District Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium, symbolizing the interconnected heritage of the spirit of scientists and the spirit of dragon boat racing.

In the first leg of the “Light of Science” torch relay, the torch was passed to the “Stars of the Future” by Academician Li Xiaokun, President of Wenzhou Medical University and a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. He handed the torch to Xie Shangjie, a student from Wenzhou High School, and Gan Yantai, a leading figure in the city's agricultural and ecological research, who are the first runners, kicking off the relay. Then, twelve torchbearers continued to carry the flame of science and innovation to the waterway platform, where the torch was handed off between land and water routes.

In the second leg, the torch was relayed through waterways by dragon boats, covering a distance of 376 meters to honor the 376 academicians who have participated in previous editions of WYSS. Hundreds of torchbearers, paddlers, steerers, and drummers from 12 dragon boats, named “Boat of the Future,” “Boat of Internationalism,” “Boat of Health,” and others, worked together to escort the “Light of Science” to the dock, symbolizing the harmonious integration and continuous transmission of science and culture, alongside the close cooperation and joint advancement across various fields.

In the third leg, the torch relay began in the land formation, stretching 800 meters long. Six formations, composed of representatives from various sectors including scientists, entrepreneurs, and artists, strode vigorously towards “the tree of science.” The unity within the scientific community, the tight integration of technological innovation with industrial development, the interaction with the capital market, and the passion of the new generation for scientific innovation were all vividly displayed through this relay, embodying the spirit of passing on the knowledge and skills from generations to generations.

The torchbearers from the last formation, Chou Shulei, Dean of Carbon Neutrality and Technological Innovation Research Institute of Wenzhou University, Fan Xiaolei, Chief Scientist of the Wenzhou Institute of Zhejiang University, and Yu Yihao, a student from Ouhai High School, proudly carried the torches to the lighting platform, which brought the event to an exhilarating moment. Under the gaze of all the present, “the tree of science” was illuminated, radiating brilliant light, which symbolized the eternal spirit of innovation and showcasing the strength and vitality of Wenzhou as a global hub of sci-tech innovation.

That day, the “Universal Gravitation π”: Showcase and Exchange Event was initiated at the North Square of the Ouhai Olympic Sports Center, featuring four main exhibition areas: Display Zone, Discussion Zone, Social Zone, and Public Open Zone. It not only showcased cutting-edge technology products and core scientific knowledge but also presented the profound intangible cultural heritage of Wenzhou and a fascinating science and art market, creating a scientific carnival.