Professor David G. Evans, a British chemistry professor who has been teaching in Beijing for almost thirty years, has become an online sensation in China with his engaging approach to science education. Known as Dr. Dai on social media, Evans has gained nearly 10 million followers on the short-video app Kuaishou by posting videos of his captivating chemical experiments.
Evans, a graduate of Oxford University, has been teaching at the Beijing University of Chemical Technology since 1996. However, his fascination with China began in his childhood in Britain when he subscribed to the Beijing Review magazine to learn more about the country. His dream came true in 1987 when he attended a chemistry conference in Nanjing. Since then, he has visited China regularly, witnessing its remarkable transformation.
Determined to make science accessible and enjoyable for the public, particularly students, Evans brings chemistry to life through demos that involve test tube bubbles, smoke, fire, and fluorescent colors. He believes that presenting the material in a captivating way is more important than the specific reactions showcased. Evans aims to use the internet as a tool to ignite young people’s interest in chemistry.
Evans’s efforts to popularize science have yielded positive results. Many students, disenchanted with traditional textbooks, have found inspiration in his experiments, realizing the excitement and beauty of chemistry. To further his reach, Evans has visited over 300 cities in China, delivering chemistry lessons in schools, science museums, and various venues.
In 2018, recognizing the need to reach a wider audience, Evans started uploading videos on Kuaishou under the account Professor Dai’s Lab. These videos have garnered over 9.9 million followers and 23 million likes. His ultimate goal is to bring his message and knowledge to rural areas, where access to quality education is limited.
Evans’s contributions to science education in China have not gone unnoticed. He was awarded the Friendship Award, the highest honor for foreigners in China, in 2001, and the China International Science and Technology Cooperation Award, the top scientific award for foreign scientists, in 2005.
The positive response from his followers reflects the impact Evans has made. Many express their desire to have a chemistry teacher like him, while others emphasize how his experiments have sparked their interest in the subject. Evans hopes that his efforts will inspire more students to pursue careers in science.
Known for his dedication to expanding the horizons of traditional education, Evans believes that in an era saturated with information, scientific thinking is essential for distinguishing fact from fiction. By making science approachable and exciting, he aims to supplement China’s education system and equip young people with the tools to think critically.
With his innovative approach and commitment to engaging students through captivating experiments, Professor David G. Evans has truly catapulted to online fame, bringing the wonders of chemistry to millions across China and beyond.
