Xiaofeng Liu, PhD

Science and Technology

My life circles around science. I believe that science and technology only exisit to make the world and life better, not worse.

Why I Care About Science & Tech (And Why We All Should)

Science and technology aren’t just abstract ideas in a lab or buzzwords in a headline. They shape the fabric of how we live, how we heal, how we build, and how we adapt. From medical breakthroughs to climate resilience, from satellite data to startup dreams, science and tech form the scaffolding of progress. They’re not just nice to have—they’re essential.

And yet, they’re often overlooked or misunderstood. So here’s my take on why doubling down on science and technology—ethically, intentionally, and accessibly—is one of the most meaningful things we can do for ourselves and for future generations.

Rewriting the Rules of Healthcare

Think about the last time you heard the words “mRNA” or “CRISPR.” A decade ago, those were niche terms. Today, they’re household names—and they’ve saved lives. Medical science moves fast when given the right tools and investment. mRNA vaccines showed us how quickly we can respond to global threats. Gene editing is opening new paths for treating what once seemed untreatable.

On the tech side, we’ve seen real shifts in care delivery. Wearables, remote diagnostics, AI-assisted imaging—these aren’t sci-fi anymore. They’re reshaping who gets access, when, and how. But it only works if we keep pushing the boundaries and keep equity in the frame.

Science as a Climate Survival Tool

The climate conversation is no longer about whether it’s happening—it’s about what we’re going to do about it. And science gives us tools to respond. From renewables that can power entire regions to predictive models that help communities brace for storms, the breakthroughs are here. But adoption is the hurdle.

Whether it’s scalable solar, better battery chemistry, carbon capture, or sustainable water tech, science is our best bet for staying within planetary boundaries. And if we want our kids to inherit more than heat waves and headlines, we’ve got to keep innovating—fast.

Technology = Economic Fuel

There’s this idea that tech replaces people. But when done right, it empowers them. New technologies create industries, unlock jobs, and fuel economic mobility. Think AI, automation, or even space tech—it’s not just about novelty; it’s about building capacity.

Countries that invest in STEM infrastructure don’t just get more patents—they build more resilient economies. And while the U.S., China, and others race to lead in areas like AI, robotics, and quantum computing, the real winners will be the ones who bring ethics and accessibility along for the ride.

Why Space Still Matters

Space exploration can feel a bit abstract when you’re juggling Earth-bound crises. But let’s not forget what we gain—perspective, innovation, and sometimes, solutions we didn’t even know we needed. From satellite networks that guide farmers and firefighters to telescopes that reshape our sense of place, space tech matters.

Commercial space efforts aren’t just about billionaires chasing Martian dreams. They’re also fueling new materials research, propulsion systems, and data infrastructure here on Earth.

What About the Ethics?

Let’s be real: not every advancement is a win. AI can amplify bias. Surveillance tech can cross lines. Gene editing can raise deep ethical concerns. These aren’t reasons to halt progress—they’re reasons to slow down, ask better questions, and build in guardrails.

If we want a future shaped by science that’s also just and inclusive, we need more than engineers—we need ethicists, designers, regulators, and communities at the table. Responsible innovation isn’t optional. It’s the only kind that lasts.

The Bottom Line

Science and tech are how we respond to complexity. They’re how we recover from pandemics, rethink infrastructure, design smarter cities, and imagine better systems. But they require more than funding—they require trust, dialogue, and vision.

So yes, I’m all in on materials science, on lab life, on data and design and discovery. But I’m also in on the bigger picture: that investing in science is investing in people, and the stories we’ll one day tell about how we moved forward.