Hangzhou, China – April 26, 2025 — Two international students, Sadia Qadir and Amna Younas, represented SeedMe lab at the prestigious 2025 Spring School in Hangzhou, hosted by the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS).

  Besides Sadia’s sharing in the first part, Amna also would like to share her exciting experience during the Spring School.

Immersed in the Chinese Tea Culature

  The spring air in Hangzhou was fresh and full of promise as I arrived at the Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Studies (HIAS) for the 2025 IC-UCAS Spring School. This six-day interdisciplinary program, held from April 21 to 26, brought together 46 students from 11 countries. It was a rare opportunity to blend academic exploration with cultural immersion, all under the theme, "From Knowledge to Understanding, From Science to Civilization."

  The program immediately surpassed my expectations. From the first lecture, we were introduced to a world where the boundaries between fields like physics, biology, and technology blurred, creating a vast ocean of interconnected knowledge. Professor Geng Chaoqiang's lecture on quantum cosmos physics delved into the mysteries of the universe, bridging concepts I had never considered. Although I was a life sciences student, I felt a connection between the universe's fundamental particles and the genetic processes within plants. Similarly, Professor Xing’s discussion on elementary particles expanded my understanding of the universe’s fabric, and I couldn’t help but think about how these ideas might parallel biological systems. Professor Yu’s lecture on quantum vacuum evolution further solidified these connections, as we explored how unseen forces shaped both the physical world and biological life.

  The hands-on experiences were equally impactful. A visit to DEEP Robotics, which designs AI-driven robot dogs for industrial inspections and disaster relief, introduced me to how technology could revolutionize not just industrial sectors but also life sciences. I envisioned a future where robotics could automate plant research tasks, such as phenotyping or streamlining complex lab workflows. The visit sparked my curiosity about how AI and robotics could interact with plant genetics and biotechnology.

  The tours of Life Sciences School and HIAS showcased cutting-edge genomic and biotechnological research. Witnessing these advances in person deepened my interest in integrating computational tools into my own plant science research. It was inspiring to see how science and technology could push the boundaries of what I had only read about in journals.

Visit to the Life Sciences School

  But the program was not only about science—it was also about cultural immersion. Exploring Hangzhou’s rich heritage was an integral part of our journey. We practiced Tai Chi by the tranquil West Lake, where the fluid movements mirrored the calm of our surroundings. Visits to local markets, sampling Longjing tea, and touring ancient temples offered insight into China’s deep cultural roots. One of the most memorable experiences was attending the "Black Myth: Wukong" art exhibition, where ancient Chinese mythology fused with modern digital art. This unique blend of tradition and innovation sparked my curiosity about the interplay between culture and technology.

  The 2050 Youth Technology Conference, held from April 25 to 27, was another highlight. The conference was an immersive experience, offering platforms like the New Gen Forum, Explorer Space, and Rainforest for engaging discussions on topics ranging from AI-driven space exploration to sustainability. The Explorer Space’s interactive exhibits showcased emerging technologies like AI-powered robotics and quantum computing, while the Rainforest fostered creative workshops and debates. The conference also introduced MindNet, a platform that allowed us to facilitate our own discussion groups, encouraging spontaneous exchanges of ideas. It was a perfect balance of intellectual stimulation and social interaction, with social events like Camping under the Stars and the 2050 Night Party adding to the sense of community.

Funny activities during the 2050 Conference