China's scientific research system is a cooperative one,
comprising the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), schools of higher
learning, industrial departments, national defense departments and
local scientific research institutes. The over 160 national
scientific and academic organizations affiliated to the China
Association for Science and Technology, as well as its branches in
various large and medium-sized cities, are also important forces in
scientific and technological research.
The Beijing-based CAS is China's highest academic institute and
comprehensive research center in natural sciences. Its academic
divisions include mathematics and physics, chemistry, geography,
biology, technological sciences, and it has more than 100 research
institutes throughout China. Before 2010, the CAS plans to found
some 80 national research institutes specializing in scientific and
technological innovation and continuous development.
There are currently 688 CAS Academicians -- the highest life-time
academic title the government grants in science and technology. The
average age of the 58 elected in 2003 was 58.86, the youngest group
ever, the two youngest being only 37 years old. The Chinese Academy
of Engineering (CAE) is the highest honorary, consultative
institute in engineering science and technology, conducting
strategic studies of the state’s important engineering-related
issues, providing consultation for decision-making, and promoting
the development of engineering science and technology. There are
663 CAE academicians, including 62 elected in 2003.
The role of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)
is to support basic research and some applied research projects
using government appropriations in line with the state's guiding
principles and sci-tech development policies. Over the past dozen
years, the NSFC has subsidized thousands of diverse research
projects and about 60,000 scientists working in basic research.
