The Accelerator Division designs, constructs and operates particle accelerators, and conducts research on accelerator physics and technology and their applications. This includes radio frequency engineering, microwaves, power supplies, magnets, auto-control systems, ultra-high vacuum, precision mechanics, cryogenic superconductivity, beam diagnostics and radiation protection.

The Division was responsible for the upgrade project of the Beijing Electron Positron Collider (BEPCII), and is now working on construction of the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS),and the high current proton linear accelerator, Injector I of the Accelerator-Driven Sub-critical System (ADS) -- a CAS strategic pilot science project.

The Division is actively involved in design and R&D for the High Energy Photon Source (HEPS), studies for the Circular Electron Positron Collider (CEPC), and R&D for small and medium scale accelerators for applications and technology transfer to industry. With close scientific collaboration and personnel exchanges with other accelerator laboratories in China and overseas, the Division is also involved in many international projects.

The Accelerator Division (including the Division of Accelerator Technology, Dongguan Campus) is the largest accelerator research center in China, and its long-term goal is to become an internationally important center for accelerator physics and technologies.