Core Insights - The 27th China Association for Science and Technology Annual Conference emphasized a return to academic essence, fostering an environment for open discussions on hot topics and controversial issues [1][2] - The conference featured 98 specialized forums focusing on high-risk, high-reward non-consensus topics that could lead to significant technological breakthroughs [1][2] - A notable shift towards youth engagement was observed, with over half of the 7,000 attendees being under 40 years old, highlighting the increasing role of young researchers in academic discussions [2][4] Group 1 - The conference atmosphere encouraged participants to focus on academic discussions rather than formalities, with traditional elements like red carpets and free giveaways being eliminated [2] - The integration of forums with academic journals provided new opportunities for young scholars to present and refine their research, enhancing the quality of their work [4] - The event facilitated cross-disciplinary collaborations, particularly in discussions surrounding the intersection of psychology and artificial intelligence [1][2] Group 2 - Young researchers took on active roles, such as academic secretaries, allowing them to shape discussions and engage directly with established experts [3][4] - The conference's design aimed to maximize academic intensity by streamlining the agenda and focusing on substantive content [2] - The presence of a significant number of young attendees indicates a generational shift in the academic landscape, with increased participation from emerging scientists [2][4]

Group 1 - The 27th China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) Annual Conference will be held from July 1 to July 31 in Beijing, focusing on "Tracing Technological Frontiers to Support Innovative Development" [1][2] - The conference will feature one main forum, 98 specialized forums, and four parallel forums, with the main forum scheduled for July 6 at the China Science and Technology Hall [1][2] - This year's conference emphasizes "innovating systems and mechanisms," involving nearly 70 national societies and strategic scientific forces to address major technological fields outlined in the national "14th Five-Year Plan" [1][2] Group 2 - The main forum will invite five vice presidents of CAST and national society leaders to present keynote speeches on topics such as quantum technology, biomanufacturing, deep-sea technology, artificial intelligence, and agriculture [2] - The 98 specialized forums will cover ten fields, including basic sciences and life health, with 53 national societies responsible for organizing them, ensuring high academic quality [2] - The conference will also introduce a mechanism for summarizing innovative achievements, publishing major scientific issues and engineering challenges for 2025, and selecting the top 100 influential papers from 2152 submissions [2]