Young scientists get funding boost

With science funding in European countries and the US under pressure in recent years, China's steadily increasing R&D budget has made it a popular destination for researchers.

However, much of the financial support in China is directed at scientists who have already made a name for themselves.

To explore the potential of young unproven researchers, the China Association for Science and Technology recently initiated a program to sponsor promising individuals to the tune of 150,000 yuan ($23,000) annually for three consecutive years.