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"Popularizing Science Aims to Spark Genuine Interest in Mathematics Among Youth."

November 18, 2024

Hosted by the Guangzhou Association for Science and Technology, Guangzhou Municipal Education Bureau, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Guangzhou Branch) and Nanfang College, Guangzhou (NCG), the 2024 "Academicians & Experts Campus Tour" arrived at Guangzhou No.1 Middle School.

Professor Tang Tao, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and President of NCG, delivered a lecture titled "Mathematics and Art in the High-Tech Era", captivating students and medias with interdisciplinary insights.

Photo: Academician Tang Tao engaging with students.

November 19, 12:00 PM – Guangdong News Channel’s midday program ”Igniting Students' Mathematical Dreams: Academician Brings Science to Schools” featured the event.

Luo Jinhong, Member of the Liwan District Education Bureau’s Party Committee and Secretary of Guangzhou No.1 Middle School’s Party Committee, remarked in her opening speech:

"Since its founding in 1928, our school has nurtured seven Academicians, reflecting its deep ties to scientific excellence. Academician Tang’s lecture will broaden students’ horizons and sow curiosity and ambition. We believe his insights will inspire our students to achieve extraordinary accomplishments."

Photo: Secretary Luo Jinhong delivering remarks.

Xu Liu, Party Secretary and Vice Chairperson of the Guangzhou Association for Science and Technology, presented Academician Tang Tao with the honorary title of "Guangzhou Youth Science Mentor".

Huang Zenghao, Secretary-General of the Association, highlighted:

"Since its launch in 2017, the 'Academicians & Experts Campus Tour' has invited 19 Academicians to deliver 789 lectures, benefiting 290,000 students nationwide."

Photo: Xu Liu awarding Academician Tang Tao.

Secretary-General Huang Zenghao addressing attendees.

Bridging Mathematics and Art

During his lecture, Academician Tang Tao demystified mathematical concepts like the Golden Ratio, Fibonacci Sequence, and Ruled Surfaces, illustrating their applications in painting, architecture, music, and sculpture.

"True scientific thinking begins with independent inquiry," he urged. "For millennia, mathematics and art have been deeply intertwined. In the modern era, their connection has grown even stronger."

He cited the iconic Guangzhou Tower (Canton Tower):

"While its silhouette appears curved, each steel column is actually straight—a marvel of ruled surfaces. Using straight materials at controlled angles achieves the curved effect, showcasing how mathematical principles simplify complex engineering challenges."

Photo: Academician Tang explaining mathematical principles.

Mathematics in the Digital Age

Academician Tang further explored Fourier Transforms, explaining how sound waves are digitized into trigonometric functions:

"This is why smartphones can store thousands of songs—each melody becomes data, later reconstructed into music."

On mathematics’ evolving role in AI, he emphasized:

"Mathematics is not merely a problem-solving tool but the bedrock of artistic innovation." Examples included AI-generated art via deep learning, 3D-printed visual designs, and projection techniques blending light and shadow.

Photo: Academician Tang gifting his book "Biography of Feng Kang" to students.

Q&A: Envisioning the Future

During the interactive session, students asked: "How can mathematics thrive in the AI era?"

Academician Tang responded:

"Mathematics has yet to fully equip life sciences, such as neuroscience, with adequate tools. Understanding the brain’s structure—undoubtedly governed by mathematical principles—is a frontier for future research. Each generation faces unique challenges. Ours tackled engineering; yours must leverage mathematics to solve humanity’s 'life' puzzles."

Pre-Event Showcase: Campus Tech Festival

Prior to the lecture, Guangzhou No.1 Middle School hosted its 3rd Campus Innovation Festival, featuring NCG-developed technologies like RoboMaster Combat Robots and Sign Language Translation Gloves. Students and faculty marveled at these interactive exhibits, fostering a "hands-on, minds-on" approach to STEM.

Photo: Students exploring NCG’s tech innovations.

A Vision for NCG’s Future

This event marked Academician Tang’s second "Campus Tour" lecture since becoming NCG President in April 2024. He reiterated NCG’s mission:

"Guided by our goal to become a top-tier applied university, NCG provides world-class education, cutting-edge pedagogy, and global perspectives. We are committed to nurturing graduates with enduring competitiveness—thinkers, communicators, innovators, and problem-solvers ready for international challenges."