Conference of China's science, engineering academicians opens

More than 1,200 scientists and engineers will discuss low-carbon and renewable energies among other key development issues at the biennial conference of China's two leading science and technology organizations, which opened in Beijing Monday.

The conference will be attended by academicians from the 709-member Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the 751-member Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), the top honorary bodies that advise the government and industries on key scientific and technological issues.

Chinese President Hu Jintao addressed the conference Monday and state leaders Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang and Zhou Yongkang attended the opening at the Great Hall of the People.

During the five-day conference, the CAE is to elect its new presidents and members of the presidium.

A total of 27 senior engineers will be awarded the eighth Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Prize, and five scientists will be awarded the Tan Kah Kee Science Awards at the conference.

Academic workshops will also be held on the sidelines of the conference, which is the 15th academician conference of the CAS and the 10th academician conference of the CAE.

Source:Xinhua