Soundbites

Editor's note: The State Council Information Office hosted a group interview under the theme "Forging Ahead on the New Journey" on Friday, inviting representatives of scientific workers to share their perspectives on fulfilling the responsibilities of meeting the country's strategic needs and enhancing people's well-being.

At 77 and retired, I still care deeply about protecting Erhai Lake (in Dali, Yunnan province), as China enters the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30). My team will continue its research on algae distribution and water quality in Erhai. As for me, I want to focus on nurturing young people to carry this work forward. I have contributed 2 million yuan ($295,000) from my personal savings and, together with a corporate partner, established a fund to provide ongoing support and recognition for young researchers, front-line workers and students involved in protecting Erhai Lake. I firmly believe that, with each generation carrying the work forward, we will continue to safeguard Erhai Lake.

Kong Hainan, chair professor at the School of Environmental Science and Engineering of Shanghai Jiao Tong University

In the next five years, I plan to focus on solving the key challenges in yak farming by accelerating the purification and rejuvenation of the Yushu yak breed (a distinctive yak breed from China), improving the "grazing plus supplemental feeding" model, and promoting practical technologies to address low reproductive efficiency, slow growth, low slaughter rates, and high mortality at high altitudes. I will also devote myself to training grassroots technicians and herders through on-site instruction and one-on-one mentoring, helping improve technical service capacity at the grassroots level.

Song Rende, researcher at the animal disease prevention and control center of Yushu Tibetan autonomous prefecture in Qinghai province

Over the next five years, I will lead my team in tackling key clinical challenges in epilepsy that have troubled patients for years. I also want to help protect the health of people living on plateaus by researching common neurological disorders in high-altitude areas, training local doctors, educating local communities and building a reliable local medical workforce.

Chen Lei, vice-dean of the West China School of Medicine at Sichuan University and chief physician and professor in the department of neurology at West China Hospital

When I was in college, China conducted crewed space launches only once every two or three years. Now we have two launches a year and that has become the norm. The blueprint for building China into a space power continues to expand, giving frontline scientists like us broad opportunities. We can pursue our aspirations, create real value and serve the country's major needs all at once. Over the next five years, as an astronaut, I will continue studying, train hard, stay in top condition, and be ready for another mission. As a teacher and researcher, I will lead my students and team in advancing scientific research.

Gui Haichao, professor and doctoral supervisor at the School of Astronautics, Beihang University

During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, I plan to deepen our work on conserving rare plants in the Yangtze River basin by improving the full system for propagation and reintroduction and expanding our germplasm resources. I also want to adapt the mature ecological technologies developed in the Three Gorges region to support desertification control in North China. I also aim to train more young professionals who can excel in both scientific research and public outreach, promote science education, and translate laboratory research into practical solutions for ecological restoration and desertification control.

Huang Guiyun, deputy director of the Yangtze River biodiversity research center, China Three Gorges Corporation

WANG XIAOYU