On Thursday, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) announced the recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Science and Technology Achievement Prize, honoring two distinguished scientists and recognizing 14 groundbreaking scientific achievements.
Chen Liquan from the Institute of Physics at CAS and Chen Xianhui from the University of Science and Technology of China received the prestigious Individual Achievement Award for their exceptional contributions to science and technology.
A pioneer in lithium battery research, Academician Chen Liquan has devoted over four decades to advancing the field since 1976. He established the discipline of solid-state ionics in China and led the nation’s early efforts in lithium battery research and development. His groundbreaking work laid a solid foundation, propelling China’s lithium battery industry to the forefront of global innovation.
Academician Chen Xianhui has made significant strides in the frontier fields of quantum materials, including Kagome superconductors, interface superconductivity, and magnetic topological insulators. His pioneering research has provided a robust physical foundation for technological advancements in quantum materials, driving progress in cutting-edge scientific exploration.
Four projects, including studies on the early formation and evolution of the Milky Way and the multi-timescale environmental evolution of Mars, were awarded the Basic Research Award.
Researchers from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics and the National Astronomical Observatories of CAS conducted groundbreaking multidisciplinary research on Mars’ environmental evolution. They achieved major breakthroughs in understanding water activity across multiple timescales on the Red Planet. For the first time, they uncovered fine structural layering and lateral variations in Mars’ shallow subsurface, offering new insights into the planet’s long-term water activity and environmental changes. Their findings significantly advance our understanding of Mars and provide fresh perspectives on its paleomagnetic field and paleoenvironment coevolution.
Five projects, including the development and application of large-scale compressed air energy storage technology, received the Technology Invention Award.
A team from the Institute of Engineering Thermophysics of CAS invented an advanced compressed air energy storage system that operates without fossil fuels and is not dependent on specific geographical conditions. They have developed the world’s first 10MW, 100MW, and 300MW demonstration systems, consistently setting new international performance records and paving the way for sustainable energy solutions.
Five projects, including one focused on mitigating farmland degradation and improving fertility in black soils, were honored with the Science and Technology Breakthrough Award.
Researchers from the Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology of CAS, alongside other institutions, concentrated on the conservation and utilization of black soils. They achieved the creation of China’s first 10-meter high-resolution map of black soil organic matter and published the country’s first white paper on black soils. Through transdisciplinary collaborative research, they have made significant contributions to the implementation of the national food security strategy.
Established in 2002, the Outstanding Science and Technology Achievement Prize of CAS honors individuals and research groups for significant contributions to major scientific achievements within the past five years. Nominations and reviews are conducted every two years, recognizing excellence and fostering innovation in science and technology.
Reference(s):
Chinese Academy of Sciences honors pioneers in science and technology
cgtn.com
