Returned overseas students receive government funds

Ninety-three returned overseas students received a total of 2.58-million (US$310,000) yuan in financial support from the local government's special fund yesterday in Shanghai.

They all have advanced degrees from overseas and are working here to help with Shanghai's economic and social development.

The financial assistance was granted from the Shanghai Special Fund for Returned Senior Overseas Scholars to assist them to work and live in Shanghai, and to express Shanghai's gratitude for their contributions.

The fund, launched by the government in 1997, aims to increase Shanghai's ability to attract overseas talent. Grants have been made four times so far, to a total of 280 scholars.

The highest award this year, 200,000 yuan, went to Chen Guoqiang, professor at the Shanghai Second Medical University and one of the most famous scientists in China. Grants of 50,000 yuan each went to 15 professors, and 58 other recipients received 20,000 yuan.

Most of them have taken up leading positions in major construction and scientific projects in Shanghai and China.

The fund also sets aside money to assist overseas Chinese scholars who are working here for a short period of time. The fund covered trip expenses for sixteen such scholars this year.