August 24, 2010 saw the Opening Ceremony of CAS Research Network for Applied Microbiology (RNAM) in Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IMCAS). RNAM is a research network that integrates the research effort in microbial resources in CAS. China’s renowned experts in applied microbiology and officials attended this ceremony.

Microbial resources are the one of the most important natural resources in the world and crucial for modern industry of biotechnology. China has rich microbial resources and large amount of culture collection, but some problems still exist in resource sharing and utilization. The establishment of RNAM will reallocate resources in CAS to promote their sharing, utilization and research level of microbiology. Through this network, institutes in CAS can complement each other in research and resource sharing. Successful integration of resources and research can accelerate the transformation of scientific research in microbiology and strengthen the strategic role of microbial resources for the sustainable development of China’s economy.

The ceremony marks the all-round promotion of RNAM. Within RNAM, there are one coordinating center affiliated IMCAS and six institutes that deal with the key areas of microbiology. The six institutes are Center for Industrial Microbiology (North) in Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Center for Industrial Microbiology (South) in Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Center for Environmental Microbiology (North) in IMCAS, Center for Environmental Microbiology (South) in Chengdu Institute of Biology, Center for Agricultural Microbiology in Wuhan Institute of Virology and Center for Marine Microbiology in South China Sea Institute of Oceanology.