China Association for Science and Technology

The China Association for Science and Technology (CAST; simplified Chinese: 中国科学技术协会; "Zhōngguó Kēxué Jìshù Xiéhuì") is a non-profit, non-governmental organization of Chinese scientists and engineers, which is composed of 167 national professional societies and hundreds of local branches at various levels.[1] ref>http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/pressroom/sesame/pdf/ADLER_OneWorldOneSky_China_Association_for_Science_and_Technology.pdf</ref>

The major tasks of CAST are: i) to promote the advancement of science by means of scientific exchanges; ii) to popularize scientific knowledge among the general public; iii) to safeguard the legitimate rights of scientists and engineers and organize them to participate in the political life of the state; iv) to award scientists and engineers with outstanding contributions; v) to provide decision-making advice and other services to the government and industry on science and technology-related problems so as to contribute to the nation’s economic development; vi) to develop cooperative relations with the international science and technology communities; and vii) to develop continued education through various training programs. At present, CAST and its affiliated societies are members of more than 250 international scientific and engineering organizations.[2]