Peking University: Ten 973 Projects Approved

Peking University, Oct. 25, 2010: The application, evaluation and initiation of this year s National Program on Key Basic Research Project (973 Program) have come to a closure. In 2010, the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People s Republic of China approved one hundred and thirteen 973 projects and 83 major scientific research projects. Peking University is approved of ten national 973 projects and major scientific research projects, ranking the first in the number of approved projects.

The chief scientists of the projects are Fang Jingyun, Shang Yongfeng, Zhang Xing, Peng Lianmao, Ren Qiushi, Wang Shiqiang, Zou Dechun, Qiao Jie, Zhang Yu, Li Xiaoxin(see attached project list). It is the third time for Prof. Zhang Xing and Prof. Peng Lianmao to be employed as chief scientists of 973 or major scientific research projects and the second time for Prof. Ren Qiushi.

973 Program was established in 1998 as a holistic and driving major fundamental research program in face of the demand of the national economic and social development, which includes eight key fields: agriculture, energy, information, resources and environment, population and health, materials, interdisciplinary research, and major scientific frontiers. The Major Scientific Research Program was established in 2006 in face of world s scientific development trend and China s major strategic demand. It aims to lead and drive the development of science and technology, promote the rapid growth of sustainable innovation capability in China, and make leapfrogging development in key areas. Currently, the focuses of the program are protein research, quantum control research, nanotechnology research, development and reproduction research, global changes research and stem cell research.

Peking University has consistently adhered to the principle that basic researches meet national needs and has made full use of basic researches to take an active part in national major scientific and technological projects and devote to solving key scientific and technological problems related to national major needs. During the 11th Five-Year period, Peking University was approved of 34 973 projects and major scientific research projects in total in the 11 fields and directions (agriculture, information, population and health, materials, interdisciplinary research, major scientific frontiers, protein research, quantum control research, nanotechnology research, development and reproduction research, global changes research). Thirty-two Peking University s professors have been employed as chief scientists. The number of approved programs and chief scientists both rank the first in China, which reflects the scientific leadership of Peking University.

Appendix Peking University s 973 projects and major scientific research projects approved in 2010

Translated by: Ma Xiao
Edited by: Zhang Chunlan
Source: PKU News (Chinese)