Xu Zhihong, a 57-year-old botanist and scholar at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), has been appointed as president of China's prestigious Beijing University. Xu, who is also vice-president of CAS, vowed to add new splendor to Beijing University through reform.

Graduated from the Biology Department of Beijing University in 1965, Xu has made notable achievements in botanic physiology and biological engineering.

"I hope to launch a new reform program for Beijing University and combine science and technology with education." He said that priority will also be given to reforming the university's outdated management and distribution systems.

"My dual presidency at CAS and Beijing University will help increase cooperation between the two institutions which is crucial for developing the most important technologies."

Beijing University and CAS are planning to establish a Department of Astronomy, with other cooperation projects in the pipeline.

Xu also stressed the importance of cultivating moral conduct among college students.