BEIJING, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Education has released a circular calling on local educational authorities to implement a project to promote basic research in universities.

According to the project statement, higher learning institutions are tasked with establishing world-class research groups that "work on innovative, strategic and forward-looking basic research."

World-leading scientific research platforms, especially major scientific and technological infrastructure, should be built, the statement said.

The project calls for moves to foster research aimed at the commanding heights of science and technology that will exert far-reaching influence on cutting-edge scientific and technological issues.

"Basic research should focus on scientific breakthroughs that prompt upgrading of the industrial structure and the transition of the economic development mode," the statement said.

The project urges universities to accommodate the building of cutting-edge scientific centers and major scientific and technological infrastructure as part of their overall development plans.

The project also requires universities to be open-minded and draw on international talent for the endeavor.

"Universities should cooperate with international institutions and talent of various disciplines in working on major academic achievements," the statement said.