On March 29, 2026, Prof. Fang Yu was invited to Xixian New Area Qinhan Middle School to attend the 40th Shaanxi Provincial Youth Science and Technology Innovation Competition, where he presided over the judging panel meeting and, as chair of the judging panel, delivered a speech on behalf of the judges at the opening ceremony.

Prof. Ma Jiani from the Institute of New Concept Sensors and Molecular Materials at Shaanxi Normal University was invited to serve as a judge for the competition.

Organized by Shaanxi Provincial Association for Science and Technology, Provincial Department of Education, Provincial Department of Science and Technology, Provincial Committee of the Communist Youth League, and Provincial Women’s Federation, this year’s competition is themed “Innovation, Experience, Responsibility, and Growth.” It comprises three main categories: the Youth Science and Technology Innovation Competition, the Science Education Innovation Competition for Science Educators, and the Children’s Science Fantasy Drawing Competition. Of the 730 entries submitted from across the province, 310 advanced to the final evaluation and defense following the preliminary review.