Chinese chemist named VP of science group

A Chinese scientist was selected as the deputy president of one of the world's leading science organizations on Wednesday.

Chemist Li Jinghai, vice-president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was elected vice-president of the International Council for Science, mainly in charge of science planning and evaluation. Li's term runs from 2014 to 2017.

The election was held during the organization's 31st General Assembly in Auckland, New Zealand, on Wednesday.

Canadian climate scientist Gordon McBean was elected as the new president.

It is the second time that a Chinese scientist has been elected to the vice-presidency, following Sun Honglie, who was elected in 1996 to serve in the same post.

The Paris-based International Council for Science is a non-governmental organization with a global membership of scientific bodies (121 members representing 141 countries) and international scientific unions (31 members). It aims to strengthen international science for the benefit of society.