Changchun, 24th, June--The opening ceremony of the 19th China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) sponsored by CAST and the People's Government of Jilin province was held in Changchun. Member of the political bureau of the CPC central committee, Vice-chairman LI Yuanchao attended the ceremony, Vice-chairman of the CPPCC national committee, ministry of science and technology minister, chairman of the China association for science and technology WAN Gang attended the opening ceremony as well and delivered a speech.

At this convention, Li Yuanchao and WAN Gang hosted 20th "Qiu Shi Outstanding Young Scholar Award ". Prof. LIU Weili from Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology (SIMIT) and some other 9 researchers won the Qiushi Outstanding Young Scholar Award for Science and Technology Commercialization.

In 1998, the CAST-Qiu Shi Outstanding Young Scholar Award was established at the proposal of then chairman of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), Prof. Zhou Guangzhao, and Qiu Shi Foundation founder Dr. CHA Chi Ming. This annual award comprises of the Applied Engineering Award, and the Science and Technology Commercialization Award. The Engineering Award is for young researchers who have made major breakthroughs in the front lines of national defense and technological innovations, such as aerospace engineering, information technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutics, and so on. 15 award recipients will be elected annually. The Science and Technology Commercialization Award recognizes young researchers from both industry and academia who have contributed to the commercialization of scientific and technological inventions. It is conferred upon ten recipients annually. In the past 19 years since its inauguration, the rewards has been wholly committed to promote the advancement of science and technology in China and distinguish the outstanding young scientist from the pack.