By KhabarAsia.com Staff Writer
If names like Tu Youyou, Yuan Longping, and Gu Songfen don’t ring a bell, you’re missing out on learning about some of China’s most distinguished scientists and their groundbreaking contributions to science and technology.
Established by the State Council in 2000, China’s State Science and Technology Awards represent the highest national honor for individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the country’s scientific and technological advancement. The awards aim to encourage innovation, promote scientific research, and recognize excellence in various scientific fields.
A Prestigious Recognition of Excellence
The awards encompass several categories, including the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award, the State Natural Science Award, the State Technological Invention Award, the State Scientific and Technological Progress Award, and the China International Science and Technology Cooperation Award.
The most coveted among them is the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award, bestowed upon only two individuals each year. In 2021, aircraft designer Gu Songfen and nuclear expert Wang Dazhong received this top honor for their remarkable contributions to aerospace and nuclear energy, respectively. In 2018, physicist Zhao Zhongxian and Nobel Prize-winning pharmacologist Tu Youyou were recognized for their pioneering work in superconductivity and antimalarial therapy.
Icons of Innovation
One of the most celebrated figures is Yuan Longping, known as China’s “father of hybrid rice.” As one of the first recipients of the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award, Yuan’s groundbreaking research in developing high-yielding hybrid rice strains has significantly improved food security and alleviated hunger for millions.
Evolving the Selection Process
In an effort to enhance the prestige and integrity of the awards, the selection process underwent significant changes in 2020. Moving from a self-recommendation system to a nomination-based process, the awards became more distinguished, with a notable decrease in the award rate from 30 percent to 14.9 percent that year. The number of special and first prize awards in the Technological Progress category also saw a 20 percent reduction compared to the previous year.
This shift aligns with the awards’ aim to prioritize basic scientific research and value original innovation. According to the revised regulations, the awards should closely associate with the country’s major strategic needs and long-term scientific development plans, increasing rewards for fundamental research in natural science and applied basic research.
Embracing International Collaboration
The State Science and Technology Awards not only recognize domestic talent but also honor foreign experts who have significantly contributed to China’s scientific and technological progress. In 2020, five award-winning projects in the Natural Science, Technological Invention, and Scientific and Technological Progress categories were either led by foreign experts or included their participation.
The 2021 China International Science and Technology Cooperation Award was presented to eight foreign scientists and one international organization, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in advancing China’s scientific community.
Looking Ahead to the 2023 Awards
As the global scientific community anticipates the announcement of the 2023 State Science and Technology Awards, the preliminary evaluation work has been completed, and the final results are expected to be revealed in the coming week. The awards continue to inspire innovation and recognize those who push the boundaries of science and technology, contributing to China’s role as a global leader in scientific research and development.
Stay tuned to KhabarAsia.com for the latest updates on the awardees and their groundbreaking work shaping the future of science and technology in Asia and beyond.
Reference(s):
China's top science prize explained: A look at its history and future
cgtn.com
