China's National Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology announced in Beijing Thursday the appointment of Xie Sishen as its principal investigator.

Xie, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), is considered one of the country's best nanoscientists.

The center also named Wang Zhaozhong, Zhu Xing, Jiang Lei and Xue Qikun as four leading scientists.

The Nanotechnology Committee of the China National Accreditation Board for Laboratories was also established in Beijing Thursday.

Bai Chunli, vice CAS president who also heads the center, said nanoscience and nanotechnology could greatly push forward the world economy and social development.

He hoped the posts of principal investigator and leading scientists, which are open to worldwide scientists, would attract outstanding researchers or technologists in the field to work for his center.

The accreditation board establishes and operates the accreditation system for laboratories and inspection bodies according to Chinese laws and regulations as well as international standards.

The Nanotechnology Committee consists of 26 members including Bai, himself a nanoscientist.

Deng Nan, vice minister of science and technology, who is also chair of the accreditation board, said that the Chinese government plans to further stimulate and oversee research and development innanoscience and nanotechnology.

Wang Fengqing, director of the Authorized Certificate Certification and Accreditation Administration, said that the accreditation system introduced into nanotechnology specifies standards for nano products.

(Xinhua News Agency May 21, 2004)