On Nov. 12, the BGI Science Education Hub officially opened its doors in Yantian District, providing an on-site interactive science class for over 100 students.

The hub is the result of a strategic cooperation framework agreement between the Yantian District government and BGI. It offers a space for citizens, especially young people, to delve into nature, agriculture, and life sciences. Showcasing more than a thousand plant species, the hub endeavors to present a comprehensive ecological cycle of life. Moreover, it offers diverse science education courses and hands-on experiences, enabling students to closely observe nature.

The hub stands as a key project for Yantian in 2023 and features numerous cutting-edge agricultural accomplishments. Notably, there is a tree that bears both colorful eggplants and tomatoes. Another breakthrough is the development of perennial rice, allowing for multiple harvests from a single planting, thus effectively reducing planting costs and labor.

A dedicated modern agriculture exhibition area emphasizes soilless cultivation technology in the hub. Here, individuals can not only enroll in modern agriculture courses but also engage in “manual pollination” within a greenhouse and help cultivate flowers and vegetables.

Yin Ye, CEO of BGI Group, expressed the hope that people can relish the abundant natural resources of Yantian while gaining an awareness of life, witnessing nature, observing living beings, and discovering themselves. This initiative aims to offer at their doorstep a firsthand experience of the beauty of life sciences and the boundless power of biotechnology, fostering an appreciation and understanding of Yantian’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Additionally, the “Yin Study Room” within the hub was inaugurated on the same day. Built on principles of public welfare, the study room serves as a platform providing free access to scientific and life science books, along with popular science materials. Currently, the study room houses more than 100 books, covering topics such as natural science, life science, genetics, and the history of technology. It is poised to remain permanently open and free to the public, with plans for continual expansion and updates, creating a “reading sanctuary” rich in life science and popular science elements.