# Chinese Academy of Sciences

The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS; 中国科学院) is the national academy for natural sciences and the highest consultancy for science and technology of the People's Republic of China. It is the world's largest research organization, with 106 research institutes, 2 universities, 71,300 full-time employees, and 79 thousand graduate students.
The Chinese Academy of Sciences has historical origins in the Academia Sinica during the Republican era and was formerly also known by that name until the 1980s. The academy functions as the national scientific think tank and academic governing body, providing advisory and appraisal services on issues stemming from the national economy, social development, and science and technology progress. It is headquartered in Beijing, with affiliate institutes throughout China. It has also created hundreds of commercial enterprises, Lenovo being one of the most famous.
The academy also runs the University of Science and Technology of China and the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, both of which were among the world's top three academic institutions in the Nature Index rankings as of 2024.

## Membership

Membership of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, also known by the title Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (中国科学院院士), is a lifelong honor given to Chinese scientists who have made significant achievements in various fields. According to the Bylaws for Members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences adopted in 1992 and recently amended in the year 2014, it is the highest academic title in China. A formal CAS member must hold Chinese citizenship, although foreign citizens may be elected as CAS foreign academicians. Members older than 80 are designated as "senior members" and may no longer hold leading positions in the organization. Academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences carry an obligation to advance science and technology, to advocate and uphold scientific spirit, to develop a scientific and technological workforce, to attend member meetings and receive consultation and evaluation tasks, and to promote international exchanges and cooperation. Academicians can give suggestions and influence Chinese state policy related to science and technology.

## History

In 1956, China formally began its computing program when it launched the Twelve-Year Science Plan and formed the Beijing Institute of Computing Technology under the CAS.$^{:100}$
In 1964, CAS debuted China's first self-developed large digital computer, the 119.$^{:101}$ The 119 was a core technology in facilitating China's first successful nuclear weapon test (Project 596), also in 1964.$^{:101}$
Beginning in 1972, CAS began promoting the idea of balancing applied research with more theoretical research and in having scientific exchanges with other developing countries.$^{:74}$
As vice premier, Deng Xiaoping in 1975 also sought to re-orient CAS towards more theoretical research, which had not been a focus during the Cultural Revolution.$^{:74}$ Deng emphasized that "the Academy of Sciences is an Academy of Sciences, not an Academy of Cabbage."$^{:74}$ Deng assigned CAS vice president Hu Yaobang to draft a plan for overhauling CAS.$^{:74}$ Deng and his aide Hu Qiaomu revised the draft and in September 1974 issued "The Outline Report on the Work of the Academy of Sciences".$^{:74}$ The Outline described scientific research in China as lagging behind the needs of socialist construction and the state of the advanced countries, and stated that to catch up, China should emphasize basic science in order to develop a sound theoretical foundation.$^{:74}$
This approach to scientific reform fell out of political favor in 1976 when Deng was purged, although it continued to be supported by many members within CAS.$^{:75}$ A month before Deng's political return in 1977 however, the Outline Report was revived and adopted as CAS's official policy.$^{:81}$
Shortly after his return, Deng hosted a series of meetings on science and education in which he stated that science should become the forerunner of China's modernization.$^{:82}$ Following these remarks, CAS prepared its goals for natural science disciplines to be achieved by 1985, stating that as a developing socialist country, China should strengthen basic scientific research through foreign exchanges.$^{:82}$
To further promote this agenda, Deng began a campaign to promote the National Science Conference.$^{:82}$ A team led by CAS vice president Fang Yi instructed schools, factories, and communes to organize youth-focused events celebrating science and technology.$^{:82}$
In 1977, the Department of Philosophy and Social Sciences was split off of CAS and reorganized into the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and led by Hu Qiaomu.$^{:86–87}$
The Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) was established in 2001 as a successor to the Graduate School of the University of Science and Technology of China (Beijing).The Ministry of Education (MOE) approved the Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) application to change its name to the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) on July 23, 2012. Additionally, the MOE recommended that CAS discontinue the operation of the CAS Graduate School. In 2023, the Pasteur Institute suspended ties with CAS.

## Organization

The Chinese Academy of Sciences maintains a large number of subordinate institutions nationwide.

### Internal Organizations

According to the "Regulations on Functional Configuration, Internal Organizations and Staffing of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)", CAS has set up the following constitute departments at its headquarters:
* Office
* Bureau of Academic Departments
* Bureau of Frontier Science and Basic Research
* Bureau of Major Science and Technology Tasks
* Bureau of Sustainable Development Research
* Bureau of Science and Technology Basic Capabilities, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Development Planning Bureau
* Finance and Asset Management Bureau
* Personnel Bureau
* Party Committee of the Immediate Organs
* Bureau of International Cooperation
* Bureau of Supervision and Audit
* Bureau of Retired Cadres Work

### Directly Affiliated Institutions
#### Research Units Directly Affiliated to
##### Beijing units

* Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science
* Institute of Physics
* Institute of Theoretical Physics
* Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Acoustics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Physical and Chemical Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* National Center for Nanoscience
* Ecological and Environmental Research Center
* Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Geographic Sciences and Resources
* National Astronomical Observatory
** Yunnan Astronomical Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences
** Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory
** Changchun Artificial Satellite Observatory
** Nanjing Institute of Astronomy and Optics Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Tibetan Plateau Studies, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Psychology
* Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
** Agricultural Resources Research Center, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology
* Beijing Institute of Genomics (National Center for Biological Information)
* Institute of Computing Technology
* Institute of Software Research
* Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Space and Astronautical Information Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Automation
* Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* National Space Science Center
* Institute of History of Natural Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Science and Technology Strategy Consulting, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Information Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences
** Research and Education Center for Data and Communication Protection
* Center for Space Application Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

##### Shenyang Branch

* Institute of Metals
* Shenyang Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Oceanography, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Processes, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences

##### Changchun Branch

* Changchun Institute of Optical Precision Machinery and Physics
* Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry
* Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
** Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* National Astronomical Observatory Changchun Artificial Satellite Observatory

##### Shanghai Branch

* Shanghai Institute of Microsystems and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Shanghai Institute of Physics for Technology
* Shanghai Institute of Optical Precision Machinery, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Shanghai Institute of Silicates, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics
* Shanghai Astronomical Observatory
* Center of Excellence for Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Innovation Center of Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligent Technology
* Innovation Center of Excellence in Molecular Plant Science
* Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health
* Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
* Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection
* Shanghai Institutes for Advanced Studies
* Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Microsatellite Innovation
* Fujian Institute of Materials and Structures
* Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering
* Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Hangzhou Institute of Medical Sciences

##### Nanjing Branch

* Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology
* Nanjing Institute of Soil Research
* Nanjing Institute of Geography and Lakes
* Purple Mountain Observatory
* Suzhou Institute of Nanotechnology and Nanobionics
* Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology
* Ganjiang Innovation Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences

##### Wuhan Branch

* Wuhan Institute of Geotechnics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Precision Measurement Science and Technological Innovation
* Wuhan Institute of Virology
* Institute of Aquatic Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Water Engineering and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Water Resources

##### Guangzhou Branch

* South China Sea Institute of Oceanography, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* South China Botanical Garden (formerly South China Botanical Research Institute)
* Guangzhou Energy Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences
** Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Changsha Mineral Resources Exploration Center
* Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health
* Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology
* Institute of Subtropical Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Deep Sea Science and Engineering

##### Chengdu Branch

* Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Chengdu Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment
* Institute of Photovoltaic Technology
* Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

##### Kunming Branch

* Kunming Institute of Zoology
* Kunming Institute of Botany
* Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Yunnan Observatory

##### Xi'an Branch

* Xi'an Institute of Optical Precision Machinery
* National Timing Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Shanxi Institute of Coal Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences

##### Lanzhou Branch

* Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Northwest Institute of Ecological and Environmental Resources
* Qinghai Salt Lake Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

##### Xinjiang Branch

* Xinjiang Institute of Physics and Chemistry Technology
* Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography
* Xinjiang Observatory

#### Directly under the higher education institutions

* University of Science and Technology of China
* University of Chinese Academy of Sciences

#### Direct Management and Public Support Units

* Science and Technology Innovation and Development Center
* Administration of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Computer Network Information Center
* Documentation and Intelligence Center (National Science Library)
** Chengdu Literature and Intelligence Center
** Wuhan Center for Documentation and Intelligence

#### Direct News Publishing Units

* China Science Daily

#### Other Directly Affiliated Institutions

* Beijing Integrated Research Center
* Qingdao Sanatorium of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhiyuanlou Hotel)
* Chinese Academy of Sciences Lushan Sanatorium (Poyangkou Hotel)

### Enterprise units directly under the Chinese Academy of Sciences

The enterprise units directly under the Chinese Academy of Sciences are wholly owned or controlled by Chinese Academy of Sciences State-owned Assets Management Co.
* Chinese Academy of Sciences Holdings Limited
* Legend Holdings
* China Science Industrial Group (Holdings) Limited
* Oriental Science and Technology Holding Group Limited
* China Science & Technology Publishing & Media Group
* China Science and Technology Industry Investment Management
* Beijing Zhongke Keji
* Beijing CAS Software Center
* Chinese Academy of Sciences Architectural Design and Research Institute
* Beijing Zhongke Resources
* Shenyang Institute of Computing Technology
* Shenyang Scientific Instrument
* Nanjing Astronomical Instrument
* Guangzhou Chemistry
* Guangzhou Electronic Technology
* Chengdu Organic Chemistry
* Chengdu Information Technology
* Chinese Academy of Sciences Science and Technology Services
* Shanghai Bike Clean Energy Technology
* Shenzhen CAS Intellectual Property Investment
* Guoke Jiahe (Beijing) Investment Management
* Guoke Health Biotechnology
* Chinese Academy of Sciences Innovation Incubation Investment
* Guoke Health Management
* Beijing Konowei Technology
* Guoke Quantum Communication Network
* Kasma Holdings

### Co-builders

* Shanghai: Shanghai University of Science and Technology
* China National Petroleum Corporation: Institute of Seepage Fluid Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* China National Nuclear Corporation: China Institute of Atomic Energy Science
* Shanghai Censhan Botanical Garden
* Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: Guangxi Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Ministry of Water Resources: Institute of Water Engineering and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Jiangxi Province: Lushan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Jiangsu Province: Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiangsu Province
* Shaanxi Province: Qinling National Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Guangdong Province: Shenzhen University of Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Xianhu Botanical Garden
* Ministry of Education: Research Center for Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Major Special Project Center of National Bureau of Defense Science, Technology and Industry (NDSTI)

### Groups and Other Organizations

* CAS Leading Group Office of Network Security and Informatization
* Women's Working Committee of Chinese Academy of Sciences
* CAS Youth League Committee
* Trade Union of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Association of Old Science and Technology Workers of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
* Federation of Literature and Art of the Chinese Academy of Sciences

## Scientific integrity

On 26 February 2007, CAS published a Declaration of Scientific Ideology and set up a commission for scientific integrity to promote transparency, autonomy and accountability of scientific research in the country. Around that same time, the Ministry of Science and Technology also initiated measures to address misconduct in state-funded programs.

## Publications

Together with the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the academy publishes the peer-reviewed academic journal, Science China (also known as Science in China). Science China comprises seven series:
* A: Mathematics
* B: Chemistry
* C: Life Sciences
* D: Earth Sciences
* E: Technological Sciences
* F: Information Sciences
* G: Physics, Mechanics and Astronomy
CAS also promotes the China Open Access Journals (COAJ) platform, a national variant of the international Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ).

## Awards

Since 1999, the CAS has issued the annual State Preeminent Science and Technology Award, presented by the President of China to the recipient.

## Ranking and reputation

CAS has been ranked the No. 1 research institute in the world by Nature Index since the list's inception in 2014 by Nature Portfolio.
It was the most productive institution publishing articles on sustainable development indexed in the Web of Science from 1981 to 2018 among all universities and research institutions in the world.
The academy also runs the University of Science and Technology of China and the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, both of which were among the world's top three universities in the Nature Index ranking as of 2024.
In 2024, Clarivate's Highly Cited Researchers list contained 308 CSA members. This made CSA researchers the largest group on the list by institution, and the sixth largest by country.

## International cooperation

The Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth is a branch of CAS. The Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth was a customer of Swedish Space Corporation (SSC), which provides data transmission services from satellites for a wide range of societal functions. It was reported by Reuters on 21 September 2020 that SSC decided not to renew the contracts with China to help operate Chinese satellites from SSC's ground stations, or seek new business with China.