Reaching for the sky while rooting to the ground

Abstract As an internationally renowned plant molecular biologist, Professor Jiayang Li is now wearing the heavy hat of the Vice-Minister of Agriculture and the President of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). During an interview with NSR, Li talked about the recent development of the CAAS innovation program, the mission of CAAS in fulfilling the country's needs, the promises of ‘molecular breeding by design’, the public concerns on genetic modified food and how he maintains an active laboratory amid heavy administrative duties.