The Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have recently published their new membership lists: 67 scientists were elected new members of the Academy of Engineering, while 61 scientists have been newly appointed to the Academy of Sciences. Five alumni of Sichuan University are among the appointees: Zhou Zhicheng, Zhao Yuliang, Cai Ronggen, Lu Lin, and Professor Wang Qi of SCU’s Polymer Research Institute.
Professor Wang Qi’s appointment to the Chinese Academy of Engineering was announced on November 27th, after a nearly one-year review and assessment process of eligible nominees. In addition to completing her undergraduate and graduate studies at Sichuan University, Wang also earned a doctorate in engineering at SCU before going on to join the engineering faculty.Professor Wang holds a number of titles and professional positions in the academic and industrial sectors: she is editor-in-chief of a leading Chinese journal on macromolecular materials science and engineering, deputy director of the expert committee of the China Plastics Processing Industry Association, and council member of the Chinese Chemistry Society, as well as the Materials Research Society. At SCU, Professor Wang directed the State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering from 1998 to 2009. From 2004-2014 she was the chief scientist for the “985” scientific innovation platform on polymer and materials science at Sichuan University.
Professor Wang’s research in materials preparation and processing of new technology and equipment dates back many years. She has presided over several projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and has collaborated with overseas scientists and institutions on various projects. Apart from winning prizes at province- and national-level science competitions for her innovative work, including patents for original inventions, Wang Qi has also published hundreds of articles and working papers in scientific journals; she has supervised 50 doctoral and over 60 Master-level students.
The Chinese Academy of Engineering has a two-way channel for selecting new members, first through the China Association for Science and Technology and secondly through the nominations of existing members. A total of over 500 qualified candidates were nominated for membership this year. Apart from the 67 new Chinese members, 18 overseas members were newly appointed. Professor Wang Qi was one of only four women among the new Chinese members.
The Chinese Academy of Engineering (est. 1994) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (est. 1949) are often referred to as the “Two Academies,” or “liang yuan” in Chinese. They are both institutions under the State Council of China. The Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) is also part of the International Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences. Membership in the CAE represents the highest official distinction that can be obtained in the PRC in the fields of engineering and technology. The Chinese Academy of Sciences has been ranked among the top scientific research organizations worldwide.
