A Pakistani became the first foreigner studying at the institute based in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, and is majoring in plasma physics theories.

The institute was set up in September 1978 and is one of China's major study centers for plasma physics and nuclear fission. The World Laboratory, an academic organization funded by Italy and based in Switzerland, has also set up a nuclear fission study center in Hefei.

The institute now features two doctorate study posts and seven master's study posts.

(Xinhua News Agency March 11, 2003)