Academicians pledge to advance scientific innovation

This year's newly elected academicians vowed at certificate awarding ceremonies in Beijing on Friday to make greater contributions to advancing scientific innovation and facilitating the transition of scientific results into practical applications.

Hou Jianguo, president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, highlighted that the title is not only an honor but also a mission. He encouraged the new members to contribute to accelerating high-level self-reliance and strength in science and technology, with the goal of building China into a science and technology powerhouse and realizing the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation.

Li Xiaohong, president of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said that this round of academician election emphasized alignment with national strategic needs, adhering to the contemporary requirement of driving the development of new quality productive forces through scientific and technological innovation. He also highlighted the academicians' crucial role in supporting national strategic research and consultation.

CAS academician Peng Chengzhi, from the Division of Quantum Physics and Quantum Information at the University of Science and Technology of China, said profound responsibility comes with being an academician. "This title represents a national trust and the expectations of the people. I will align personal aspirations with national development goals and use all that I've learned in my life to serve the country and the people," he said, adding that he will prioritize the nation's most urgent strategic needs and measure success by the ability to solve real-world problems.

Li Jun, also a CAS academician and a professor of chemistry at Tsinghua University, described rare earth elements as the "vitamins of industry", crucial for strategic sectors like renewable energy, aerospace, and semiconductor manufacturing. "Collective efforts should be made to transform China's resource advantage into industrial technological prowess. Theoretical scientists should address national needs through their research and write their papers with a goal of tackling industrial challenges," he said.

CAS academician Hu Hailan, from Zhejiang University's school of brain science and brain medicine, said she focuses on the human-centered nature of life sciences and medicine. "The ultimate goal of scientific research is enhancing human well-being," she said, adding that her exploration goes beyond the abstract laws of biology to a deep commitment to protecting human mental health.

Huang Xianbo, a CAE member and chief engineer at the global advanced materials supplier Kingfa, said that the primary concern for scientific researchers in private enterprises is the transition of technological achievements into productive forces. "Focusing on national strategic needs, we will strengthen our cooperation with scientists from universities and research institutes to carry out cutting-edge scientific and technological research," Huang said. He added that the integrated model of scientific and technological research will contribute to building China into a science and technology powerhouse.

Last month, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering announced an expansion of their ranks, adding a total of 144 new members from China and 51 international members.