A symposium titled “Carry Forward the Spirit of Science and Strive for National Rejuvenation” was held in Beijing on May 30 to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Academic Divisions of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CASAD).

Chinese Vice-PremierDing Xuexiang, also Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a speech at the event, conveying warm congratulations to CASAD on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council. He extended high respect and sincere greetings to all academicians and science and technology workers.

He noted that over the past seven decades, CASAD has resolutely implemented the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee, uniting and guiding academicians tostay true to their original aspirations and keep their missions in mind amidst significant challenges.

He spoke highly of the CAS academicians’ contributions, includingsolving major sci-tech issues vital to the nation, making breakthroughs in key core technologies that constrain development,cultivatinga high-caliber sci-tech workforce, and establishing milestones in sci-tech innovations.

Ding stressed that CASAD and all academicians are the backbone of China’s science and technology development. In the new era and on the new journey, they must earnestly study and implement President Xi Jinping’s important instructions, uphold the “Four Orientations of China’s Education Policy”, tackle tough problems and break new ground, play a leading role in achieving greater self-reliance and strength and building China’s strength in science and technology, and live up to the expectations of the Party and the people.

Ding urged them tospearhead efforts in a bid to scalethe heights of science and technology byfully leveraging the strengths of the new nationwide resource mobilization system,accelerating breakthroughsin core technologies within key fields, and securing strategic advantage for national development, cultivate strategic scientists and technologists, steadily reform the academician system, select, pool and train talent for the nation, and build high-caliber echelons of sci-tech professionals.

He also called on them to serve as advisors to the CPC Central Committee on major sci-tech decisions, maximizing expert wisdom and interdisciplinary strengths to conduct more forward-looking, strategic, and fundamental research; pursue high-level international sci-tech cooperation, forging and strengthening ties of cooperation between Chinese and foreign scientists to enhance China’s contributions to global scientific progress, and champion the spirit of scientists, uphold the integrity of the academician title, and guide young researchers to align their aspirations with national rejuvenation.

Relevant departments should take care of researchers, ensure adequate support services, and jointly foster a favorable innovation environment, Ding added.

At the symposium, CAS officials and academician representatives delivered speeches at the gathering. Attendees included members of CASAD’s Presidium, academician representatives, and leading officials from relevant departments and institutions.

Source: Xinhua