HydraulicsScientistTappedtoLeadChina’sTopScienceAssociation

Wang Guangqian, a leading hydraulics scientist and senior political adviser, has been appointed chairman of the China Association for Science and Technology, taking the helm of the country’s top scientific organization.

Wang, 64, succeeds Wan Gang, who held the post for a decade. The leadership transition at CAST, announced Saturday, comes as Beijing intensifies efforts to achieve scientific and technological self-reliance amid escalating global competition.

The election of Wang, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, returns the chairmanship to an academy member. Seven of CAST’s eight past chairmen have held the prestigious title, with Wan being the sole exception.

CAST’s 11th National Committee formalized the appointment during its first meeting in Beijing, naming Wan as honorary chairman. The committee also elected 16 vice chairmen, including six new appointees such as Tsinghua University President Li Luming and Chinese Academy of Engineering Vice President Chen Jianfeng.

He Junke was appointed first secretary of the secretariat. He Junke, a member of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, continues to serve as CAST’s party chief and manages the organization’s daily operations.

The reshuffle immediately follows a major national science gathering in Beijing. On Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed a joint session of the National Science and Technology Award Conference, the biennial conferences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and the CAST National Congress. The CAST National Congress concluded Friday.

Wang brings extensive academic and administrative experience to the role. Born in April 1962 in Henan province, Wang built his career studying hydraulics and river dynamics. He earned his doctorate from Tsinghua University in 1989 and spent decades teaching at the institution, serving as its vice president until 2023. He also served as president of Qinghai University from 2013 to 2022. Wang was elected an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2009.

Wang holds significant political sway outside his scientific career. He has served as a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference since the ninth National Committee. In March 2023, he was elected a vice chairman of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, elevating him to state-leader status. Wang joined the China Democratic League in 1994 and has served as its executive vice chairman since December 2022.

The restructuring of CAST’s leadership also saw the departure of several high-profile scientists from vice chairman positions, including structural biologist Shi Yigong and quantum physicist Pan Jianwei.

Established in 1958, CAST serves as a critical bridge between the Communist Party of China and the country’s scientific and technological workforce, playing a central role in executing national science initiatives and advising on policy.