Researcher role model inspires inquisitive girls

Interacting directly with female scientists not only sparks an interest in science, but also fuels curiosity and fosters a strong passion for their endeavors.

Several middle school girls interested in science were invited to participate in the 19th China Young Female Scientist Award ceremony late last month and had the opportunity to engage with their favorite scientists.

Xie Xinran, a junior at the High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, is passionate about computer science. She spent a year in a lab at Tsinghua University's Department of Computer Science, where she worked with her mentor to develop an artificial intelligence-based app that uses phone photos of the eye to detect glaucoma.

The 17-year-old was deeply inspired by the female scientists at the event, especially Qu Jing, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Zoology. Qu made groundbreaking discoveries on how longevity proteins function, identifying key targets for intervening in human cell aging and the aging rhythm switch.

"Professor Qu can take complex molecular processes and apply them to solve practical problems like coronary heart disease and hypertension, which are common in our daily lives. The way she connects theoretical knowledge with real-world applications is fascinating," Xie says.

Xie aspires to follow in the footsteps of these award-winning scientists. Her plan is to study abroad for her PhD or postdoctoral research and then return to China to continue her work.