China’s economic and social development has entered a new stage with a greater demand for scientific and technological innovation. It is essential for the country to seek an innovative path to self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology. Academicians should play a better role as a critical minority, Vice-Premier Liu He said while inspecting academician system reform in Guangzhou on May 18.

Liu, who also is a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, held a symposium during the inspection to hear the opinions and suggestions of academicians and experts.

He spoke highly of the achievements in the academician system reform. After hearing suggestions on academician selection mechanisms, subject arrangements and academic atmosphere, Liu urged these be taken seriously to promote the steady reform of the academician system.

He also asked for the strengthening of quality control in the selection of academicians, striving to meet national strategic needs. The scientific spirit should be promoted among academicians for more scientific discoveries and technological inventions, he said.

More inspections will be conducted to further collect opinions and suggestions from all parties, Liu said.