Abstract:Life sciences have been occupying a leading position among scientific research activities since 1990s, and remain one of the most important areas in the development of natural sciences in the 21st century. According to the strategies of the Knowledge Innovation Project and the "Three Steps" plan of development (2005/2010/2020) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and based on the analysis of the trends in, and needs of, the life sciences and biotechnology at home and abroad, the author has elaborated an outline for the leap development strategy of the life sciences and biotechnology in CAS. The author has also discussed areas of priority, research platforms and concrete measures in order to promote the scientific production in life sciences.