An artist's rendering of the laboratory building of the Tsung-Dao Lee Institute, construction of which started in Shanghai on Aug 29. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"The goal cannot be realized by only one person. We have the international advisory board, and many scientists and scholars we can take advice from," he said.

"T.D. Lee was a professor at Columbia University for many years and, while he became an American citizen, he has always kept China close to his heart and worked to help young Chinese students reach their potential of becoming mature, independent researchers. We are following his lead."

So far, the institute has attracted over 20 well-known scientists and scholars and is hoping to gather a further 700 of the world's top scientists to produce prominent and original research, according to Wu Dan, vice-president of the Shanghai university.

The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China report highlighted the need to aim for the frontiers of science and technology, strengthen basic research, and make major breakthroughs in pioneering innovation.

"Our university will fully support and contribute to the country's scientific development, based on our key basic disciplines such as astrophysics and cosmology," said Lin Zhongqin, president of Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

It is hoped that cooperation with reputable global laboratories, such as Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the US, will also help further this