On March 14, coinciding with the 7th International Day of Mathematics, Shandong University launched its 2026 Mathematics Culture Festival at the Jinan campus. The event featured Academician Liu Jianya from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, who joined faculty and students to explore the profound beauty of numerical logic.

The festival was organized into four vibrant sections: academician dialogues, popular science lectures, fun garden party, an interactive math carnival, and a themed popular science exhibition.

During the headline dialogue, Academician Liu shared insights into number theory, explaining that research is often driven by pure curiosity rather than mere pragmatism. He encouraged students to follow their passions and view academic challenges as a natural part of self-discovery. "Perfection is rare," he noted, "but the persistence to keep moving forward is what truly matters."

Engagement extended beyond theory through interactive sessions. Science lectures transformed abstract concepts, such as queuing theory and cryptography, into playful demonstrations to spark curiosity among younger participants. Meanwhile, at the Jinan campus, students joined hands-on and brain-teasing activities at the math carnival with various logic-based games.

To bridge the gap between complex science and daily life, the university hosted a comprehensive exhibition covering the history of mathematics and its role in national development. QR codes on display boards provided multimedia explanations, making high-level knowledge accessible and engaging.

This event highlighted mathematics not just as a classroom subject, but as a vital cultural force driving innovation and personal growth.

Academician Liu Jianya engages with the audience, offering his perspective on mathematical research. [Photo/Shandong University]

Participants join an interactive math games with great enthusiasm. [Photo/Shandong University]