Springer and CAS announce publication of science and technology reports

Springer and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) announce the publication of strategic reports planning the next 40 years of progress in science and technology (S&T).

The first general report will be presented by Prof. Jiaofeng Pan, representative from the CAS together with the Chinese STM publisher Science Press and Springer during a press conference on 14 October 2009 at the Frankfurt Book Fair. All reports are co-published in English by Springer and Science Press. The Chinese edition is published by Science Press.

Besides the general report, this project comprises 18 sub-group reports covering over a dozen scientific disciplines. According to the CAS report, it is necessary to conduct this strategic research for the future of China and all of mankind as well. The past 250 years of industrialization have resulted in a modernized, improved standard of living for almost one billion people. The next 40 years will bring improvements and a better life to a population of two to three billion as well as challenge the limited resources and eco-environment on earth.

The project was sponsored by the Chinese Academy of Sciences with the goal of presenting a detailed scenario for China's modernization drive to 2050. It was initiated in July and August 2008 under the guidance of CAS President Dr. Yongxiang Lu. Over 300 CAS scholars from over 80 CAS institutes contributed to this research.

The first volume of the book series, the general report, analyzes the evolution and laws governing the development of science and technology, describes the decisive impact of science and technology on the modernization process, and calls for China to be fully prepared for this new round of S&T advancement. Supported by illustrations and tables of data, the volumes will provide researchers, government officials and entrepreneurs with guidance concerning research directions, the planning process, and investment. The CAS invited the nation's most experienced and respected scientists and engineers to contribute to the reports.