Chinese and Scottish scientists exchanged ideas for cooperation on Monday at a symposium titled "Sino-Scottish Science -- Sharing Ideas" organized by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE).

An official from the CAS Bureau of International Cooperation said the event was a platform for future academic cooperation between Chinese and Scottish scientists.

Both sides hope to carry out substantive cooperation in research, the official said.

The scientists, 10 Chinese and 10 Scottish, are scheduled to focus on botany and genetics, nanotechnology, optoelectronics and public understanding of sciences.

The Scottish scientists are from the University of Glasgow, the University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University and the University of Dundee.

The CAS team consisted of researchers who had previously studied and worked abroad.

The schedule for the five-day symposium also includes visits to several CAS institutes.

Established in 1783, the RSE covers natural and social sciences. RSE members, equivalent academicians of the CAS or the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), give advice to governmental decision-makers and parliamentary members.

Under a memorandum, the CAS and RSE agreed to boost joint research.

(Xinhua News Agency March 8, 2004)