A series of scientific projects aimed at cutting edge fields, agriculture and the environment have been given the green light by China's Ministry of Science and Technology.

The 31 basic science projects are the second batch under the nationwide "973 Program" launched in 1997 to strengthen the country's theoretical research development.

The initial 15 projects begun in 1998 covered agriculture, energy resources, information technology, the environment, health and population and new materials science.

Current investment in research and development, which stands at a mere 1.32 percent of the country's GDP, is inadequate if China is to make the significant scientific advances needed to support its continued economic development, said Cheng Jinpei, vice-minister of science and technology.

The new 31 projects will focus on the following areas:

Problem areas vital to the country's economic and social development, including gene group study on cotton fibre quality, research on large scale liquefaction of coal energy, study of the formation of environmental pollution and restoration of the ecosystem in old industrial areas in northeast China, pathological changes of cancers and malignant tumour prevention.

Subjects to reach advanced world levels, the application of mathematics in information technology, studies on optic and electrical function and crystal structure performance

Cutting-edge projects, biological studies on multi-gene related and complicated diseases, modern design of large scale and applied computer software.

The ministry issued certificates of appointment to scientists to undertake the 31 projects at a conference over the weekend.

Scientists are required to submit approximate budget estimates as soon as possible and funds will be allocated accordingly, sources from the ministry's Department for Basic Research said.

(China Daily October 18, 2004)