Xi Jinping’s important speech inspires science and technology workers to take on their mission

At the State Science and Technology Awards Conference, the Academicians Conference of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and the 11th National Congress of the China Association for Science and Technology held in Beijing on July 9, Xinhua News Agency reported that General Secretary Xi Jinping attended the conference and delivered an important speech, making arrangements around building China into a science and technology powerhouse. The speech fully affirmed the achievements of China’s science and technology cause and also pointed the way for science and technology development during the "15th FiveYear Plan" period. Many science and technology workers said they should seize the opportunities brought by the new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, focus on breakthroughs in key core technologies, promote the deep integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation, and enhance the country’s science and technology competitiveness. Representatives from fields such as energy, materials, agriculture, information, healthcare, and aerospace believed that science and technology work should adhere to being oriented toward national needs, the people’s life and health, and major basic research questions. The article also mentioned that the science and technology system is advancing reforms around strengthening organized scientific research, optimizing science and technology evaluation, improving the effectiveness of investment, and reinforcing science and technology ethics and security governance. Participants generally stated that they will continue to carry forward the spirit of scientists, cultivate young talent, and strive to make greater contributions to achieving highlevel selfreliance and selfstrengthening in science and technology and building China into a science and technology powerhouse.