Science, tech workers' day to have COVID-19 focus

China will celebrate its fourth annual National Science and Technology Workers' Day on May 30, with a greater emphasis on medical personnel, post-epidemic economic recovery and global collaboration, officials said on Tuesday. 

The celebration will begin at the provincial level on May 23, and most of the events will be livestreamed, said Li Kunping, the head of human resource department of the China Association for Science and Technology. 

These programs include international online seminars, celebrating prominent scientists and health workers during the COVID-19 epidemic, and science popularization events. 

"Science workers are the centerpiece of the holiday," Li said. "The purpose of these events is to raise public awareness and appreciation for science, and cultivate social respect and admiration for science and the scientific method."

Shu Wei, a senior official at CAST, said in 2016, the State Council, China's cabinet, approved every May 30 starting from 2017 as the National Science and Technology Workers' Day to showcase the nation's great admiration and respect for science workers.  

This year marks the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan launched in 2016, as well as the complete building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, he said. As a result, the themes of this year's celebration will focus on how to use science and technology to overcome the epidemic and promote socioeconomic development, Shu said.