The main forum of the 27th Annual Meeting of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) was held at the China Hall of Science and Technology on Jul 6, bringing together scientists and experts to discuss cutting-edge innovations and strategies for building China into a sci-tech powerhouse.

This year, nearly 500 attendees, including academicians, researchers, representatives from Hong Kong and Macao, and media, joined the event.

Wan Gang, President of the CAST, delivered a keynote speech at the forum, emphasizing the urgent need to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology amid rapid global changes. He highlighted the conference's role in tracking global sci-tech trends, exchanging new theories, and exploring emerging fields and opportunities.

Wan stated that CAST would continue to monitor scientific frontiers, enhance high-quality technological supply, leverage interdisciplinary collaboration for high-level consulting, and promote efficient academic exchanges. He encouraged participants to make full use of the platform for in-depth discussions and innovative idea-sharing.

The forum, chaired by He Junke, Executive President of the CAST, featured the release of CAST's 2025 list of major scientific questions, engineering challenges, and industrial technology issues. Distinguished experts delivered keynote speeches on cutting-edge topics including quantum technology, artificial intelligence, deep-sea technology, seed industry revitalization and biomanufacturing. The speakers included Pan Jianwei, Vice Chairman of the CAST; Dai Qionghai, President of the Chinese Association for Artificial Intelligence; Li Jiabiao, Vice President of the Chinese Society for Oceanography; Wan Jianmin, President of the Crop Science Society of China and Vice President of the Chinese Association of Agricultural Science Societies; and Tan Tianwei, President of the Chinese Renewable Energy Society.

Held at a critical juncture before China's 15th Five-Year Plan, this year's conference, themed "Tracing Sci-Tech Frontiers to Boost Innovation," runs from Jul 1 to 31. CAST has partnered with national strategic sci-tech forces to organize 98 specialized forums covering fundamental research, AI, and life sciences, alongside four parallel sessions, including a symposium on Hong Kong and Macao's role in national innovation and a dialogue between CAST leadership and young scientists.

The event also includes public science outreach, releases of excellent academic papers and non-consensus research topics, and showcases of China's latest sci-tech achievements, providing a platform for industry-academia collaboration, especially for small and medium-sized tech enterprises.

Source: Official WeChat account of the CAST, VOC