President Hu Jintao yesterday urged scientists to work towards building an innovation-oriented nation and strongly support the country's development.

The 13th conference of academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering opens in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing June 5, 2006. [Xinhua]

"Science and technology, especially strategic high technology, is increasingly becoming the decisive force in economic and social development and the focus of competition in comprehensive national strength," Hu said.

He urged quick action to catch up with developed countries in scientific and technological development as well as the fostering of young talents.

Hu made the remarks in a speech at the conference of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE).

He praised members of the two academies as the pride of the Chinese nation and the people, noting that they had made significant contributions to major science projects, including manned space flights, super hybrid rice and high-performance super servers.

But more needs to be done to accelerate progress and innovation, Hu said.

He asked governments to invest more in science and technology, adding "we must strengthen research in energy and improve energy efficiency."

The president encouraged Chinese scientists to work hard and secure their own intellectual property rights.

He pledged that the authorities would strengthen support in the information, biology, energy, nanoscience and materials sectors.

He also promised to reform the education, training and reward mechanisms to encourage more talents.

Seven foreign members of CAE who were elected in 2005 were given certificates yesterday.

"I have been closely co-operating with Chinese scientists for 20 years and I am very proud of becoming a member of CAE," said Wladyslaw Wlosinski, corresponding member of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

Under the CAS and CAE constitutions, the two academies organize conferences of academicians once every two years.

The CAS has 704 academicians and foreign associates while the CAE has 701 academicians and foreign associates.

Other top Party and state leaders also attended yesterday's opening of the science summit.

Xinhua contributed to the story

(China Daily 06/06/2006 page1)