Scientists 'to be world class'

The Government will spend 10 billion yuan (HK$9.4 billion) in the next five years to make the Chinese Academy of Sciences a world-class research institute.

Dr Lu Yongxiang, president of the academy, said the Government planned to upgrade about 80 of its 123 research institutes and turn about 30 into 'globally recognised top-notch research bodies'. 'Of them, three to five should be recognised as the best in the world,' Dr Lu was quoted by Xinhua as saying.

According to academy secretary-general Shi Erwei, the academy would hire more world-class scientists. The scientists would be offered 'special contracts' promising them attractive wages and other benefits. In addition, the academy would put aside 'several hundreds of millions of yuan each year' to hire about 100 young scientists.

Alarmed by the rapid progress of technology, Beijing has announced ambitious programmes to improve competitiveness. Some experts said the country had suffered a brain drain in the past few years although the tide had begun to turn in the past year.