Founded in November 1949,
the CAS is a leading academic institution and a centre for research and development
in natural science, technology, and high-tech innovation. Its current president
is Prof. Lu Yongxiang.
Under the banner of the CAS, there are five academic divisions (the Divisions of Mathematics and Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, and Technological Science), more than 600 academicians, 89 scientific research institutions, around 400 high-tech companies, and 15 doctoral units including a university and two schools, spread across China. CAS's 11 branches are located in Shanghai, Nanjing, Changchun, Shenyang, Wuhan, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Kunming, Xi'an, Lanzhou, and Xinjiang.
In 2003, the CAS had a staff of 43,670 people, including 35,201 researchers, 33% of whom were women. It has more than 30,000 students, mainly at the doctoral level.
Missions
The CAS's missions are: developing research in basic and applied science; performing national studies on natural resources and the environment; providing scientific information and advice for government decisions; resolving crucial problems in governmental projects for social and economic development; training personnel; and promoting high-tech companies through active involvement in this field.
Goals
The CAS is striving to become the foundation of scientific research at an international level, to train high-level researchers, and to promote the development of the high-tech industry in China. The CAS's goal is to have 30 internationally recognised institutions by 2010.