Fifty-five scientists have been elected academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) this year, including five from Hong Kong.

The new members were elected from among 356 candidates from scientific organizations and institutes of higher learning throughout the country, said Chen Yiyu, vice-president of the CAS.

Chen said the average age of the newly elected members is 61.6 years old, with the youngest 42 years old. The new academicians include ten for the Mathematics and Physics Department, eight for the Chemistry Department, 11 for the Biology Department, ten for the Geology Department, and 16 for the Engineering Science Department.

These elections are held every two years, and no more than 60 new members are selected each time.

Chen said this year's election brings the total number of CAS academicians to more than 633, including 156 senior academicians above the age of 80.

The CAS elected the largest number of Hong Kong academicians ever this year, since it began to receive Hong Kong academicians in 1993. (Xinhua)