China launched its national science week on Saturday, with more than 100,000 science events, road shows and lectures to be held throughout the nation from May 14 to 20.

Featuring the theme "building an innovation-oriented country," the science week is expected to attract more than 100 million people, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), one of the event's organizers.

State Councilor Liu Yandong said at the opening ceremony of the national science week Saturday that the national event should aim to boost scientific and technological development and innovation to give due support to the country's adjustment of its economic growth mode.

Liu also hoped the event could help to promote the relevance of science and technology in people's everyday lives and stimulate science interests among the public, especially among young people.

She said China should connect scientists with the general public to make sure scientific achievements serve social and economic development which will benefit the people.

Initiated in 2001, the annual national science week has been held consecutively for ten years, riveting more than 600 million people who attended its events.

MOST official Zhai Lixin said earlier this week that, different from previous years, some of this year's events will address several issues of public concern, such as food safety, disaster prevention and control, nuclear security, and energy conservation.

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