The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) announced on Friday that 51 prominent scientists have been elected CAS academicians.

They include eight mathematicians or physicists, nine chemists, twelve life scientists, seven geologists, six information scientists and nine engineers.

The oldest of the newly elected is 72 years old and the youngest 39. Forty-seven percent of the newly elected are under the age of 60.

Lu Yongxiang, CAS president and chair of the governing body for CAS academicians, said, "The newly elected need to continue their research as well as provide advice to policy-makers on scientific research development and social advancement."

The CAS reviewed the research achievements and ethics performance of 295 candidates. The ceiling for the inductions, every two years, is 60 new academicians.

The CAS has paid more attention to younger scientists this year. Most of the newly elected are focusing their research on global scientific frontiers as well as in areas with strategic significance.

The CAS now has a total of 707 academicians, with an average age of 72.37.

(Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2005)