Chinese Academy of Sciences: The Institute for the History of Natural Science (IHNS) was established by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 1957 as the nation’s premier research center for the study of the history of science and technology in China. As one of few multidisciplinary branches of the Academy of Sciences, the Institute brings together a diverse group of scientists and historians of science and technology who examine the development of science and technology from a variety of perspectives ranging from its social and cultural contexts to its relationship with political, economic, ideological, philosophical and strategic changes.

Professor Liao Yuqun is director of the Institute for the History of Natural Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing.