In celebration of the 2025 National Science and Technology Workers Day and International Children’s Day, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College hosted a public science outreach event as part of the National Open Day at the National Key Laboratory of Hematology and Health. Over 200 primary and secondary school students from Tianjin, accompanied by their parents, participated in the event. The Deputy Director of Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Dr. Xiaoli Liu, delivered opening remarks, and the event was chaired by Mr. Chuan Wang, Director of the Education Office.

In her speech, Dr. Liu introduced the founding history and mission of the National Key Laboratory of Hematology and Health, highlighting its leading role in undertaking major national scientific projects and its achievements in technological innovation, clinical diagnosis and treatment, and translational research. She emphasized that, as a national research institution, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College is committed to leveraging its high-quality scientific resources to promote public health awareness and improve the health literacy of the general public. She also expressed hope that this event would inspire young students interested in life sciences to remain curious, cultivate a spirit of inquiry, and aspire to pursue scientific truth and contribute to public health.

Science Lectures – Inspiring Curiosity

During the science lecture segment, Dr. Lida Sun from the Transfusion Medicine Center introduced the diverse types of blood in nature, the structure and function of blood cells, and basic transfusion knowledge. She encouraged students to care about blood health and to support blood donation. Mr. Yang Wan, Secretary of the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Center, gave a talk titled “The Big Role of Umbilical Cord Blood”, explaining the importance and benefits of cord blood transplantation. Dr. Jingqin Sun, Director of the Department of Nutrition, provided practical guidance on healthy eating and weight management to help young people develop better self-care habits. Each speaker engaged the students with open-format Q&A sessions, sparking enthusiastic participation and thoughtful questions from the audience.

Hands-on Exploration – Discovering the World of Science

The participants also toured Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College’s Scientist Spirit Education Base—Jiandong Building—and the historical exhibition hall, as well as the core technological platforms of the National Key Laboratory. Through these visits, students gained insight into the dedication and perseverance of earlier generations of scientists, observed blood cells under the microscope, and experienced firsthand the excitement and beauty of scientific exploration.

As a gesture of encouragement, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College presented popular science books and participation certificates to all student attendees, hoping to foster a love for science, critical thinking, and hands-on practice among the youth. The goal is to inspire them to pursue scientific careers and strive toward future breakthroughs.

Looking ahead, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College will continue to adopt an open and innovative approach to science outreach, making full use of its strengths to create engaging, educational, and thought-provoking public science programs. These efforts aim to broaden the impact of scientific achievements, improve national science literacy, and contribute to the country’s long-term development through continuous support of public engagement in science.