The China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization of Chinese scientific and technological workers. As a bridge between the nation's scientific and technological workers and the government, it is an important driving force in developing the country’s science and technology.

The major tasks of CAST are: 1) to promote the advancement of science and technology by means of scientific exchanges; 2) to popularize scientific knowledge among the general public; 3) to safeguard the legitimate rights of scientific and technological workers and organize them to participate in the political life of the state; 4) to award scientific and technological workers with outstanding contributions; 5) to provide policy advice and other services to the government and the society on science- and technology-related issues so as to contribute to the nation’s economic and social development; 6) to develop cooperative relations with the international science and technology community; and 7) to conduct continued education through various training programs.

History: In July 1949, the preparatory meeting for the National Congress of Scientific Workers was held in Beijing. A year later, the Congress was held, at which the National Federation of Scientific Societies and the National Association for Popularization of Science and Technology were created. At a joint meeting held in September 1958, the two organizations merged to form the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST).

A network of organizations. CAST is composed of 167 national academic and professional societies and associations for science and technology in different localities of the country.

The power structure: CAST practices a three-tier leading system, i.e. the National Congress, the National Committee and the Council, in its operation. The Council has a number of Commissions and Committees to assist in the deliberation of relevant matters that should be approved by the Council. The Executive Secretariat set up under the Council is in charge of routine matters of CAST under the leadership of the Council.
To help implement the tasks set forth by the Statutes, CAST manages a number of units that carry out the undertakings of CAST.