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China's top scientific and engineering institutions announced the results of their 2025 academician elections on Friday, recognizing 144 outstanding experts for their groundbreaking contributions to science and engineering, with expertise in areas including semiconductors, metamaterials, and advanced electronic manufacturing, according to announcements by the institutions on Friday.

The age structure, research areas, regional and industrial distribution of the academician team have been further optimized. The selection of new academicians in 2025 showcased that the research directions are more focused on national strategic demands and lean toward personnel on the front lines of scientific research and engineering technology, media reported.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) elected 73 new academicians, while the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) selected 71. This brings the total number of Chinese academicians in CAS to 908 and academicians in CAE to 1,002, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Election as an academician represents China's highest honor in science and technology, as well as in engineering fields. The academician system serves as a key mechanism to promote respect for knowledge and talent, while rallying elite experts to support national priorities, said Xinhua in a report on Friday.

The election of new members of the CAS and the CAE is held every two years.

This biennial academician election process in 2025 emphasized alignment with national strategic needs and the role of scientific innovation in driving the development of new quality productive forces - advanced productivity that is freed from traditional economic growth mode and productivity development paths, according to Xinhua.

Among the 73 new members elected to the CAS, 14 are in mathematics and physics, 11 in information technology, and 15 in technological sciences. And of the 71 new members of the CAE, nine members focus on information and electronic engineering, 10 on chemical, metallurgical and materials engineering, while 11 on mechanical and transportation engineering, according to lists released by two academies.

These results showed that China is channeling top scientific talent into critical national priorities: cutting-edge fields like semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, emerging disciplines, interdisciplinary research, major engineering projects, key national research programs, and large-scale scientific infrastructure, CCTV News said.

Following this round of elections, the composition of China's academician community has become more balanced and optimized, said Xinhua.

Among the newly elected CAS academicians, the average age is 57.2 years, with the youngest at 44 and the eldest at 66. Over two-thirds (67.1 percent) are 60 or younger. For the CAE, the new cohort includes six experts based in remote western border regions and eight female scientists, underscoring a commitment to diversity and regional development.

For example, Huang Weina, was among the newly elected 13 female academicians. She is a leading figure in China's aero-engine industry.

Liu Ruochuan, at the age 44, studying number theory, was the youngest among elected academicians. Peng Chengzhi, focusing on quantum information and experimental research on quantum optics, was elected at the age of 48. Lu Junyong, also a young expert of 46 years old, focuses on electromagnetic emission theory and technology.

Apart from Chinese academicians, CAS also newly elected 27 foreign academicians, coming from 15 countries. This makes the number of CAE's total foreign academicians mount to 173, according to CAE's announcements.

Meanwhile, the CAE added 24 foreign experts to its academician team, making the total number reaching 148.

The inclusion of foreign academicians further demonstrates China's openness and inclusiveness in global scientific collaboration, drawing talent from diverse international research frontiers.

Global Times