SHANGHAI’S ambition to be a global innovation and science hub took a giant stride on September 26 with the unveiling of Zhangjiang Lab.

The lab, jointly established by the city government and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was unveiled in Pudong’s Zhangjiang Science City. Shanghai Party Secretary Han Zheng, President of Chinese Academy of Sciences Bai Chunli, and the city’s Mayor Ying Yong attended the opening ceremony.

“The lab will serve as a comprehensive national science center to promote basic science, and aims to attract top researchers from across the world. Officials have set a target to become a world-class national laboratory by 2030.” Mayor Ying remarked.

“In a bid to develop the area into a “national science center” of global influence set forth by President Xi last year, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Shanghai Municipal Government work closely and efficiently by introducing innovative policies and adopting practical measures to ensure the development of the lab.” said Bai Chunli in his address.

"In the beginning of the lab’s development, we will focus on building up major scientific facilities to make breakthroughs in fundamental sciences," said Wang Xi, Director of the lab, who is also the President of Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences (SARI-CAS). "Particularly on photonics (the physical science of light), life science, information technology and brain-inspired intelligence technologies, an interdisciplinary between life science and information technology," Wang added.

Several national-level major science facilities in Zhangjiang including Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (SSRF) and National Center for Protein Science (NCPSS) will be integrated into SARI to make the lab better serve the science community.