The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
announced on Wednesday that it will build 10 interdisciplinary
research bases to promote scientific innovation.
The CAS has set up an advisory and review committee to oversee
the ambitious plan, which will require several billion yuan in
investment. The committee is made up of 21 scientific advisors from
government bodies, universities and relevant industries, and is
co-chaired by Lu Yongxiang, CAS president, and Zhou Guangzhao,
president of the China Association for
Science and Technology.
The 10 bases will research information technology, space
technology, advanced energy technology, nanotechnology, new
materials, life sciences, advanced bioengineering, advanced
agriculture, ecological and environmental technology, resource
management, and marine biology.
As the state's top think tank in natural scientific research,
the CAS has more than 80 research entities that carry out
independent studies in different disciplines.
Bai Chunli, CAS' vice president, said: "We need to break down
barriers between different disciplines and echo world trends in
sharpening interdisciplinary academic competitiveness."
A building outline for the 10 research bases will be worked out
in November, Bai said, adding that construction is scheduled to
begin in early 2006.
The CAS, which launched its innovation-oriented reform in 1998,
has scored outstanding achievements in basic research, hi-tech
development and solutions for comprehensive social advancement.
(Xinhua News Agency September 29, 2005)