Tracking the internet pioneers

Working on the project, he understood fully that the prosperity of the internet today could not have been achieved without these scientists' dedication and contributions, who strived not for personal profits, but for a simple goal of connecting first the computers, and then people and communities.

Zhong Bu, associate professor at Pennsylvania State University in the US, also closely participated in the project and concurred with the universal value of the internet.

"None of the internet pioneers we interviewed foresaw that the internet would have such a profound impact on the world, but their dedication did best illustrate the spirit of the internet, which is that science and technology should serve all social classes," Zhong says.

A livestreamed seminar was hosted in Beijing on July 25 to discuss the new book series, joined online and offline by around 30 internet researchers and experts from home and abroad.

Wei Lu, dean of Zhejiang University's College of Media and International Culture, remarked that this series of books presents a panoramic view of the history of the internet, especially its early history, by salvaging a large number of firsthand accounts, and fills a gap in the relevant research field.

For the project's next five years, Fang says that he wants to interview around 100 people each year, although, due to travel restrictions, he is doing so via video call. He also wants to publish an English version of the books and tell the stories to the world.

"Even those really small countries have fascinating stories about the development of internet, and the local pioneers who navigated such development. There are so many stories to delve into, so we will keep on with this project," Fang says.