Prof. Xinhe Bao was nominated recently as the principle investigator of the National Key Basic Research and Development Program “Basic research on the highly efficient catalytic conversion of natural gas and syngas”. This is the third “973” program that DICP has been undertaking as the main institution. This program is based on the former “Basic research on the optimal utilization of natural gas and coal bed gas” (1999.10-2004.9), carried out mainly by DICP, Shanxi Coal Chemistry Research Institute, Xiamen University. It was reviewed highly and got the first grade within the projects relating to energy at the reviewing meeting in 2004 organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China.
    The new program will focus on the synthesis of liquid fuels from syngas, oxygenates and hydrogen, the direct conversion of natural gas, high temperature fuel cells, and their relating fundamental scientific issues. On July 9-11 2005, related scientists gathered at DICP and discussed about the forward research and budget plan. The final plan was submitted to the MOST on July 12. The program will officially start in September 2005.