On December 16^th -17^th of 2008, the 4^th expert consultant group of the 973 Program held the 5^th meeting in Beijing. The experts discussed the 973 Project Proposal in 2009 and strategic research for the 12^th Five-Year Plan.

The chief expert in each field made proposals on the priority of 2009, briefed on the strategic research for the 12^th Five Year and the achievements obtained.

Representatives of the Department of Basic Research of MOST introduced recent tasks under the 973 Program and the application requirements in 2009. They also put forward issues that need to be tackled in the future.