On June 8, 2026, Academician Wu Qi, director of the Center for Food Science and Processing at Shenzhen University, delivered a lecture titled “What Is Science?” at the 111th session of the “Qujiang Forum” at Shaanxi Normal University.

In his report, Wu Qi drew upon his decades of research experience and insights gained from the study of epistemology to address a series of fundamental questions, including What is science? What is research? What is the isomorphism between physical reality and mathematical reality? What is knowledge? What constitutes basic research? and what is applied research? He stressed that distinguishing between physical reality and mathematical reality, and clarifying the essence of knowledge and research, are issues that young scholars must confront as they develop their careers. Using multiple specific research examples, he elucidated the path of exploration from phenomena to essence, encouraging young faculty members and graduate students to maintain a spirit of inquiry in their research.

Prof. Fang Yu attended and presided over the lecture. In his concluding remarks, he noted that Academician Wu Qi’s presentation clarified several fundamental concepts in scientific research that are often misunderstood, demonstrating how epistemological principles can guide specific experimental designs. He emphasized that this lecture is of great significance for young faculty members and graduate students in establishing a sound scientific outlook and enhancing their research capabilities. He encouraged the faculty and students in attendance to emulate Wu’s rigorous and pragmatic approach to scholarship, and to persist in strengthening their foundational knowledge, valuing practical experience, and embracing innovation as they pursue their research careers.

The session was organized by the Graduate School (Department of Graduate Student Affairs of the Party Committee), co-organized by the Department of Faculty Affairs of the Party Committee, the Human Resources Department, the Office of Science and Technology, and the Office of Social Sciences, and hosted by the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, and the Institute of New Concept Sensors and Molecular Materials. More than 400 participants attended the event, including heads of relevant departments and schools, faculty members, student counselors, and graduate students.