Top Scientist Chen Liquan Urges Focus on China's Strategic Needs

Chinese Academy of Engineering academician Chen Liquan emphasized that a vital mission for Chinese scientists is to anticipate and plan for the country's strategic needs 10, 20, or 50 years into the future. Speaking on September 6, 2026, at an ideological and political education event hosted at the University of Science and Technology of China, the recipient of the 2025 State Preeminent Science and Technology Award underscored the principle that researchers must focus on whatever the nation requires.

Chen's remarks reflect Beijing's sustained campaign to steer cutting-edge scientific research toward national strategic objectives, utilizing high-profile ideological education campaigns to encourage university students and early-career researchers to adopt long-term, state-aligned priorities.

Chinese Academy of Engineering academician Chen Liquan has called on researchers to align their work with China's long-term national priorities, stating that scientists must focus on whatever the country needs. Chen made the remarks during a major ideological and political education and outreach event held on the evening of September 6, 2026, at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), according to state media outlet China News Service. The event was held under the theme "Writing the Chapter of Youth on the Soil of the Motherland." Chen, who was recognized as the recipient of the 2025 State Preeminent Science and Technology Award, told participants that an essential mission for researchers is to lay the groundwork for China's development over the next 10, 20, or even 50 years. "Whatever the nation needs, that is what we will do," Chen said, according to the report. The event reflects an ongoing effort across Chinese higher education institutions to combine ideological education with patriotic narratives drawn from scientific achievements. Known as "great ideological and political courses" (da sizheng ke), these sessions frequently feature prominent academicians and pioneering figures who present their personal and professional experiences to university students as models of civic and scientific duty. Beijing has increasingly stressed strategic, mission-oriented science and technology development as it seeks technological self-reliance in critical domains. By bringing celebrated scientific figures before student audiences, authorities aim to channel younger talent into fields designated as essential to the state's long-term technological and economic goals.