Criteria for new academicians released

The Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering kicked off the application process for new academicians, the highest title bestowed on scientists in China. 

The academies released the guidelines and requirements for new fellows on Wednesday. The registry is expanded every two years, and the final list is typically published by the end of that year. 

According to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, this year's new members should come from key scientific disciplines in basic sciences, frontier sciences and interdisciplinary research that serve urgent national strategic needs. 

Moreover, scientists who have made notable contributions to national security, major scientific instruments, and key scientific research projects will also be favored this year. The Chinese Academy of Engineering shared similar criteria. 

Foreign scientists who have made noted contributions to the development of science and technology in China can also apply to become fellows. 

In 2021, 194 new Chinese and foreign academicians were added to the registry. 

The Chinese Academy of Sciences currently has 823 Chinese and 128 overseas academicians, while the Chinese Academy of Engineering has 914 Chinese and 110 overseas academicians.