BEIJING, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- Vice President Li Yuanchao on Saturday called for China's top scientific association to unite and lead scientific staff in promoting innovation and economic development.

Li made the remarks while attending a meeting of the China Association of Science and Technology.

He asked the association to improve the mechanism for nurturing talent and better motivate the creativity of scientific personnel.

Li also stressed the role of the Internet, encouraging scientific staff to popularize science online.