Photo: ZCG Forum

On March 29, the "Science Fiction + Talent" Special Forum, one of four thematic sessions at the 2025 China Science Fiction Convention, took place in Beijing. 

Hosted by the Beijing Association for Science and Technology (BAST) and organized by China Center for International Communication Development, the event launched the Sci-Fi Multidisciplinary Talent Initiative, designed to integrate science fiction with technology, education, and industries, offering a broader platform for creative growth.

During a keynote speech, Chen Qiufan, a member of the China Science Writers Association, outlined a framework for three core competencies essential to science fiction education: scientific literacy, which involves understanding scientific logic; aesthetic literacy, focused on the ability to judge humanistic values; and imaginative literacy, centered on creative cross-disciplinary thinking. He emphasized the importance of offering science fiction courses at universities and introducing the subject in primary and secondary schools to spark curiosity and foster creative thinking in younger generations.

Yidi, Senior Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of Perfect World Group, discussed endless possibilities for sci-fi industry integration. He described how sci-fi evolves from literature to film to gaming to tourism, with the future potentially being a digitally integrated sci-fi metaverse. He called for stronger academic-industry collaboration to advance China's sci-fi personnel development.

Julian Buffet, French Editor-in-Chief of China Today, highlighted science fiction's unique ability to create unlimited imaginative spaces and connect diverse cultures worldwide, continuing Jules Verne's spiritual tradition.

The roundtable discussion explored the definition of interdisciplinary science fiction professionals, current industry needs, and frameworks for education systems, policy support, and incentive mechanisms.

The 2025 China Science Fiction Convention showcases recent industry achievements while accelerating ecosystem development through four specialized forums on talent cultivation, artificial intelligence, life sciences, and future transportation.