In 1987, the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) established the "CAST Award for Youth in Science and Technology" to honor the outstanding young scientists and facilitate the emergence of more young talents in science and technology. In 1994, the Award was renamed "National Award for Youth in Science and Technology", which was to be presented jointly by the Organization Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the Ministry of Personnel of the People's Republic of China and CAST, with CAST responsible for the detailed work. To date, the Award has been presented to 889 young scientists.

Adhering to the principles of being objective, scientific, fair, honest and accepted by the peers and taking into account of the nominees' scientific contribution and moral quality in its assessment, the Award is well liked by the broad masses of young scientists and has produced positive social influence. The recipients are researchers in various disciplines and fields. For the past 20 years, the recipients, taking the winning of the Award as a new starting point, have continued to work diligently and achieved considerable progress.

So far, 80 per cent of the past winners have become the leaders in their respective research fields, responsible for the key projects assigned by the state, ministries or provincial authorities. In recent years, 22 winners were elected Academicians of either the Chinese Academy of Sciences or the Chinese Academy of Engineering. Quite a many were appointed important leading posts. Dr. Bai Chunli, for example, was among the first winners of the Award and was later became the executive Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Mr. Li Zhuobin is now the Vice Mayor of Guangzhou. Mr. Li Xiaoan is now the Vice Mayor of Anshan. Even more of the past winners have taken the leading positions in universities and research institutions. Quite a few of them have been elected to leading posts in international scientific and technological organizations.

To further help and support the continued development of the recipients, CAST keeps in close contact with them, investigating the status of their work, life and promptly reflect their opinions and suggestions to the department concerned. With the support and help from all walks of life, CAST will continue to consummate the rewarding system of the Award, intensify the service after the presentation.