The opening ceremony of the 13th Asian Science Camp was held at GTIIT auditorium this morning. It is the first time that ASC is held in mainland China since it was launched in 2007. 16 world-class scientists, including 4 Nobel Prize winners and 1 Wolf Prize laureate are invited to attend this marvelous event.

Two Chinese Nobel laureates, Prof. YANG Chen-Ning and Prof. Tu Youyou, addressed to ASC fellow campers through video and audio, encouraging them to be brave enough to take on responsibilities, surpass their predecessors and create a better tomorrow for all humanity.

Prof. YANG Chen-Ning 

Hello, campers. I know you are enjoying and benefit from your participation in the 2019 Asian Science Camp. You will meet many young people from Asian countries. You will also visit to lectures by famous scientists from all around the world. All these experiences will benefit your future career. So, be happy and enjoy. Unfortunately, I could not participate in your activities this year, but I do want to send my best wishes to all of you. Good bye.

Prof. Tu Youyou 

Dear young friends,

Welcome to China and the 13th Asian Science Camp! Over the past 12 years, ASC has provided young people from various Asian countries and regions with the opportunity to learn from and have conversations and exchanges with scientists, and has made great contributions to spreading the scientific spirit and discovering and cultivating young scientific talents. I hope this year's camp can bring you new scientific inspiration and open a door of interest for your future development.

I am glad that all of you here are young science enthusiasts. As one of the elder generation of traditional Chinese medicine researchers, I would like to share with you my experience in the journey of scientific discovery. The discovery of Quinine is due largely to the historical use of Cinchona tree in Peru, while the discovery of Artemisinin is a gift for all human beings from traditional Chinese medicine. At the most difficult but critical moment of our research, it was Ge Hong, an ancient Chinese doctor's statement on malaria treatment with Artemisinin that gave me a flash of inspiration, and that led us to make breakthroughs in the research. The discovery of Artemisinin is a small step in humanity's journey of conquering diseases, reflecting the convergence of Eastern and Western wisdom. Traditional Chinese medicine has long served people from China and Asia, and without any doubt, the continued exploration and development of traditional medicine will bring better health to everyone in the world.

All of us live on the only earth, share a common destiny and face same problems. Global problems are not uncommon, including disease threats, climate change, environmental pollution, energy shortages, sustainable development and so on. Scientists should not only have their own research interests, but also pay attention to human needs and make efforts and contributions to this end. Times are advancing, science and technology are being innovated, society is progressing and the community with a shared future for mankind needs our concerted efforts.

Young students, I can imagine your vigor and vitality, and know that all of you shoulder the future and hope of human beings. I sincerely hope that the younger generation can be brave enough to take on responsibilities, come out one after another and surpass your predecessors. I believe without a shadow of doubt that you will surely create a better tomorrow for all humanity.

During the ASC 2019, Prof. Tu Youyou's research group will share some new research achievements to demonstrate how Chinese medicine makes great contributions to world health.

Lectures, discussions and dialogues between speakers and students, lab visiting, poster presentations, social activities and excursions will be organized during the ASC 2019. Campers will meet some of the biggest names in the field of science and make friends with those sharing common interests. A new journey is waiting for them.

Text/Photos by GTIIT News & Public Affairs, Chen Yutian