The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is devoting itself to shaping the national science think-tank through providing more consultation and appraisal for the country's decision makers.

About 1,100 members of the CAS and the Chinese Academy of Engineering attended their biannual congregation in Beijing, which started on Wednesday.

Enthusiasm among scientists over contributing to informed decisions is getting an inspiring resonance from the very top.

In his congratulatory note delivered at the opening ceremony of the gathering, President Hu Jintao paid sincere tribute to the national science think-tank and called on science workers to contribute more to the country's modernization drive.

Such remarks conveyed the State leader's elevated respect for science and technology and appreciation for professional expertise in decision-making.

The two academies boast the most intelligent Chinese minds in their fields.

Knowledgeable people are respected in our society. But they are most respectable when their learning has a benefit for the welfare of the general public and good of the nation.

Providing consultation and appraisal on key State issues offers the best way for scientists to make their contributions in this regard.

From the drafting of the "12-Year Scientific Development Plan" in the 1950s to the implementation of the "High-tech Research and Development Plan" today, academic minds have played an important role in shaping the country's development.

Over the past two years, the academies have completed research reports on ecologically vulnerable areas such as a western drought zone, loess plateau, karst topography areas and the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. They also put forward proposals on issues including population aging, e-commerce, basic sciences, AIDS awareness and prevention, coastal zone pollution and protecting the biodiversity of Hainan Province.

All these have provided helpful information that can ease the making of difficult decisions.

An important reason for the increasing passion for participation on the part of scientists is the way the national leadership has demonstrated in what they call scientific decision-making.

The establishment of a scientific and democratic decision-making mechanism, involving a collective system and consultations with experts and professionals, is listed as the No 1 goal of institutional reform by the present government.

Hu and Premier Wen Jiabao have impressed the public by frequently consulting experts on major issues.

Their personal willingness to listen to expert opinions sets a fine example for all on decision-making positions.

As true authorities in their respective fields, our scientists are not only able to offer invaluable reference for informed decisions, but share an obligation in that regard.

This country has numerous accounts to demonstrate the damage caused by poor decision-making. We cannot afford to suffer more.