The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) recently launched a new program aimed at pioneering breakthroughs in various scientific fields. At a press conference in Beijing on September 29, 2026, CAS Vice President Zhou Qi emphasized the program’s focus on tackling significant scientific questions that could lead to paradigm shifts in research.
The initiative will utilize advanced scientific infrastructure and AI to orchestrate research efforts involving leading scientists globally. The first wave of ten projects covers diverse topics, including the synthesis of new elements, dark matter, dark energy, and synthetic cells. CAS officials, including Wei Zhixiang, outlined a commitment to integrating major scientific facilities with AI, focusing on complex interdisciplinary challenges.
The program aims to address critical national issues related to security, health, and engineering, encouraging innovative growth in unexplored areas of research. The use of AI for literature and data analysis, alongside automated experiments, is integral to this endeavor. CAS operates 43 out of 77 major scientific infrastructures supporting this ambitious agenda.
