China kicks off election of engineering academicians

The Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), one of the country's top think tanks, started its biennial election of academicians on Friday.

According to regulations, the academy will be joined by no more than 60 academicians during the elections, and in most cases nominated candidates should be under the age of 70. There are special circumstances where nominees can be above 70.

Punishment will be handed out to those involved in election fraud, including falsifying applications and using influence to gain votes, the CAE said.

The election result will be publicized at the end of 2013.

The Academician of the CAE is the highest academic title in the field of engineering. Currently there are 765 CAE academicians who have the life-long honorary title.