BEIJING - The Global Research Council (GRC) called for more support for the next generation of researchers during its 2014 meeting, which closed in Beijing on Wednesday.

The GRC said it is committed to attracting young talent into scientific research, exploring their potential, providing career opportunities and high-quality research environments for young talent.

Talented researchers are the most critical factor in scientific innovation. Training of young scientists concerns the future of science and requires the joint effort of the global scientific community, said Yang Wei, president of the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

The Global Research Council was initiated in 2012 by 11 organizations including the US National Science Foundation, the German Research Foundation and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

GRC member organizations account for 75 percent of global funding for scientific research.

Bai Chunli, president of Chinese Academy of Sciences, was elected as chair of the GRC Governing Board during the meeting.