Most Beijing people believe the best professions to train for are in science and technology, a survey conducted by the Beijing government in April shows.

According to the survey, of 11 professions, including public servant, news editor, academic, lawyer and doctor, 57.8 percent of the 4,000 respondents regarded scientist and technician as their preferred professions. Doctor and lawyer came second and third respectively.

Commentators pointed out that professional popularity was closely linked with the public's thirst for knowledge and the national campaign to promote science and technology.

Meanwhile, with the promotion of their social status and their rising incomes, it is natural that Chinese scientists are in high favor with the public.

(People's Daily May 17, 2002)