Recently, Prof. Fang Yu’s article “The Era of Artificial Intelligence: Science Education and Talent Cultivation from the Importance of Basic Research” was published in the special issue of “Science Education and Talent Cultivation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” in the Science Education for Primary and Secondary Schools, No. 2, 2025.

The article is divided into four parts: First, it points out that human civilization is facing major challenges, and new technologies such as artificial intelligence have become a key force to cope with the crisis. In the face of the fourth Industrial revolution, the paradigms of scientific research and education need to be changed to meet the new needs. The third part focuses on the strengthening of basic research and basic discipline personnel training is the foundation of national strength and national rejuvenation; Finally, it highlights the importance of science education in primary and secondary schools in cultivating innovative talents, and appeals to all sectors of society to pay attention to the role of basic research.

The purpose of this special issue is to explore how artificial intelligence can empower science education, tap the potential of artificial intelligence in cultivating students’ innovative thinking and practical ability, and provide ideas and methods for training innovative talents to adapt to future social development. The special issue presents the thinking of three academicians Yang Yuliang, Fang Yu, and Xu Zongben, while researchers from Peking University, the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and practitioners from primary and secondary schools such as the affiliated high school of Renmin University of China shared the theoretical research and practical exploration of AI enabling science education, in an effort to jointly promote the innovative development of science education in the era of artificial intelligence.

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