China's top academic institutions announced on Friday that 144 scientists have been elected as new academicians, the highest academic honorary title in the country's scientific and technological fields.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) elected 73 new academicians, while the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) elected 71.

The election of new academicians underscores the country's focus on researchers working in areas that meet strategic priorities and advance new quality productive forces through scientific and technological innovation.