There are five major systems for social science research, which
involve about 100,000 researchers; they are: the Chinese Academy of
Social Sciences, local academies of social sciences, schools of
higher learning, research units affiliated to government agencies
and army-affiliated research units.
The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, established in 1977, is
the top academic organization in the field, by virtue of its
comprehensive scope and concentration of human talent, data and
research materials. It is responsible for creative theoretical
exploration and policy research for the improvement of humanities
and social sciences standards throughout China. The Academy has 35
research institutes with over 3,400 researchers, some 2,000 of them
senior experts. Many of its members are well known in international
academic circles and many young and middle-aged researchers have
distinguished themselves in theoretical studies.
According to the Academy's program, by 2006 it will have five
academic divisions with both honorary and ordinary members, with
academic status almost equivalent to that of CAS academician.
