The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) appointed Tan Yongwen, a chief engineer of the Hangzhou Water Treatment Technology Development Center Co, as social development project specialist and sea-water desalination project manager, on Dec 11. Wan Gang, the science and technology minister, delivered the news at a ceremony for project specialists, in Beijing.
Project specialists are an essential part of the key National Program for Fundamental Research and Development (973 Program), National High-tech Research and Development (863 Program), and other major Chinese science and technology projects. They report directly to MOST and are asked to make suggestions on dealing with problems they encounter in the projects. They also take part in annual inspection tours and strategic project research organized by MOST. The pilot system is meant to improve the country’s science and technology management. MOST has appointed 113 project specialists in all, covering 15 research, technology, agriculture and forest technology, and social development projects.