The China Association for Science and Technology (CAST)

Type:	Non-profit
Industry:	Science, Technology, and Public Policy
Founded:	1958
Headquarters:	Beijing
Country:	China
Website:	english.cast.org.cn
Key People
Prof. Dr. Wan Gang, President

The China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) is a national non-governmental organization that unites China’s scientific and technological professionals. Established in 1958, is the largest non-governmental organization of scientific and technological professionals in China. Serving as a bridge between the Chinese science and technology community and the Communist Party of China as well as the government, CAST plays a significant role in science policy, innovation, and international cooperation .

Overview

CAST connects millions of Chinese scientists, engineers, and tech professionals through its 210 national member societies and local branches across the country. It promotes academic exchange, policy consultation, and public science education, and supports innovation across scientific disciplines.

History

The roots of CAST date back to 1949, when several of China’s major scientific organizations met to support the building of the new People's Republic. This led to the creation of two national bodies: the All-China Federation of Natural Science Societies and the All-China Association for Science Popularization. In 1958, these two merged to form the unified China Association for Science and Technology.

Since its founding, CAST has contributed significantly to scientific development in China, professional training, public engagement with science, and the country’s economic and social progress.

Structure and Governance

CAST is a constituent member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), participating in state governance through consultation, policymaking, and democratic oversight.

Its highest body is the National Congress, held every five years, which elects the National Committee. The daily operations are managed by the Secretariat. The current president is Prof. Dr. Wan Gang.

Mission and Tasks

CAST’s major tasks include:

1. Supporting academic exchanges and innovation across scientific disciplines.

2. Promoting enterprise-led innovation systems and enhancing corporate innovation capacity.

3. Popularizing science, promoting scientific literacy, and encouraging youth engagement.

4. Advocating for the rights and interests of science and technology professionals.

5. Promoting research integrity and scientific ethics.

6. Involving professionals in policymaking, political consultation, and democratic supervision.

7. Recognizing and supporting outstanding talent in science and technology.

8. Offering scientific consulting services, supporting research commercialization, and participating in standard-setting.

9. Facilitating international cooperation and global exchange programs.

10. Organizing continuing education and professional development programs.

11. Supporting social and public welfare institutions aligned with CAST’s mission.

International Cooperation

CAST represents China’s scientific community internationally, holding memberships in:

• International Science Council (ISC, formerly ICSU)
• World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO)

In 2004, CAST was granted consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) . Creating the CAST UN Consultative Committee on Information Technology (CCIT) , what mobilizes research on major international topics and activities related to information and communications technology (ICT). The CCIT is located within the Chinese Institute of Electronics (CIE) . It actively collaborates with science and technology organizations worldwide and promotes international partnerships in emerging areas such as digital governance and artificial intelligence.

Internet Governance

The China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) and ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) do not have a direct institutional relationship that is officially documented. However, their work intersects within the broader ecosystem of global digital governance. CAST plays a prominent role in shaping science and technology policy in China and engages in international collaboration on digital and scientific issues. As China has an active role in global internet governance discussions, CAST may indirectly engage with ICANN-related matters through multistakeholder forums, international conferences, or policy dialogues focused on digital development, internet infrastructure, or standards. While ICANN is primarily responsible for the coordination of the global domain name system and IP address allocation, CAST's influence on digital policy and international cooperation may lead to points of convergence, especially in areas such as digital transformation, innovation ethics, and internet-related research.