More than 10 major universities in Shanghai, China's leading industrial and commercial center, have just announced their plans to employ talented people from home and abroad.

These universities, including Fudan, Jiaotong, and Tongji, will take in some 650 scientists, professors, associate professors and other talented persons.

University sources say that more than 50 specialties are now open to talented people, such as electric engineering, electronics, information and communication engineering, and nuclear science and technology.

A series of preferential policies have been adopted to accelerate the effort, including higher than average pay, cheaper housing and favorable conditions for research, according to the sources.

An official with the municipal educational committee referred to the move as part of the city's strategic plan to bring these universities up to advanced international levels.

Shanghai has an increasing demand for college graduates as it is striving to become an international center for economy, finance and trade in the 21st century, the official added.