A PROPOSAL FOR HOSTING

1. A PROPOSAL FOR HOSTING THE XXIInd INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF HISTORY OF SCIENCE • Submitted to • The Division of the History of Science • The International Union for the History and Philosophy of Science • by • Chinese Society for the History of Science and Technology • and Institute for the History of Natural Science • of the Chinese Academy of Sciences • July 2001

2. WHY BEIJING FOR ICHS IN 2005 ？

3. CHINA IS THE WORLD’S MOST POPULOUS COUNTRY • Boasting one fifth of the world’s total population, China has approximately 1.3 billion people comprising 56 different nationalities. The XXIInd ICHS, if approved to be held in China’s capital, will introduce the history of science to a vast number of people and help increase the popularity of this discipline.

4. CHINESE CULTURE IS REMARKABLE FOR ITS DURATION • With about 4,000 years of recorded history, China is one of the few countries that flourished economically and culturally in the earliest stages of human civilization and still continues to flourish in today’s world. The governments of imperial China kept a continual written record, known as “official histories,” which recorded events that can be dated back to 841 BC. In addition, the latest archaeological discoveries have dramatically changed our understanding of the role of science and technology in early Chinese civilization.

5. A CHANCE FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES • In its entire seventy-two year history, the International Congress of History of Science has only been held in Asia one time (the XIVth ICHS in Tokyo-Kyoto in 1974), and one time in Latin America (the XXIst ICHS in Mexico City this year). • We are pleased that the current Congress has declared as its theme "Science and Cultural Diversity." The next Congress, if held in Beijing, would continue this important theme of cultural diversity into the twenty-first century.

6. SOLID ECONOMIC STRENGTH AND SPLENDID CULTURE • Beijing is a rapidly developing modern city. The GDP of Beijing reached US$29.75 billion in 2000, with an average GDP per capita of more than US$2,300. • At the same time, the city of Beijing was founded more than three thousand years ago, and has been the capital of China for more than eight hundred years.

7. SOCIAL STABILITY • Beijing’s crime rate and traffic death rate are among the lowest in the world. The city can guarantee the safety and security of participants during major international events.

8. RICH RESOURCES OF INFRASTRUCTURE & INTELLIGENCE • Beijing boasts 360 star-rated hotels that can accommodate 400,000 people. Capital Airport can receive 35 million passengers annually, with more than 700 domestic and international air routes leading to 54 cities in 40 countries. Among the 5 railway stations in Beijing, the West Station, put into operation in 1997, is Asia’s largest railway terminal. Beijing was also the first city in China to have a subway. the map on district of Beijing the West Station

9. There are more than 250,000 scientific and technological personnel in more than 400 research institutes in the city. Beijing is also home to China’s best-known universities such as Peking University and Tsinghua University. Tsinghua University Peking University

10. AN EXCELLENT CONFERENCE VENUE splendid structures in Beijing’s Asian Games Village, built when Beijing hosted the Asian Games in 1990. The center’s various features are flexible enough to adapt to all kinds of needs. It provides a unique package of catering, accommodation, travel, entertainment, and shopping. The Beijing International Convention Center, with 3 exhibition halls and 48 congress halls and meeting rooms, is one of the most

11. FACILITIES RELATING TO THE HISTORY OF SCIENCE For historians of science, Beijing is especially rich in opportunities. There are numerous facilities relating to the history of science, technology and medicine in the metropolitan area. Among them, the Institute for the History of Natural Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where the Chinese Society for the History of Science and Technology is located, is famous for its outstanding contributions to the history of Chinese science. A preparatory secretariat and web-site for the XXIInd ICHS has been set up in the Institute under the leadership of its director.

12. THE SINCERE DESIRE OF CHINESE SCHOLARS • This is the third time that Chinese historians of science have applied to host the International Congress of the History of Science. This persistent effort not only demonstrates our confidence in hosting the Congress, but also expresses the sincere desire of Chinese scholars to make a substantial contribution to our common cause — the advancement of the history of science.

13. STRONG SUPPORTS FROM GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES AND NGOS • Lastly, but no less importantly, we are pleased to acknowledge that our proposal is supported by numerous Chinese authorities, including the Beijing Municipal Government, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Education, the Chinese Association for Science and Technology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, as well as some overseas non-governmental foundations. The local organizer will bear full financial responsibility for the organization of the Congress.

14. WISH TO SEE YOU IN BEIJING IN 2005

15. THANK YOU VERY MUCH