Two scientists share China’s top science award

China 24

Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) presents award certificates to physicist Zhao Zhongxian (R) and pharmacologist Tu Youyou, who won China’s top science award, at an annual ceremony held to honor distinguished scientists and research achievements in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 9, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

Two Chinese scientists, physicist Zhao Zhongxian and pharmacologist Tu Youyou, won China’s top science award Monday for their outstanding contributions to scientific and technological innovation.

President Xi Jinping presented award certificates to them and offered congratulations at an annual ceremony held to honor distinguished scientists and research achievements.

Zhao is a leading scientist in superconductivity, while Tu won the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for her discovery of artemisinin to treat malaria.

While addressing the ceremony, Premier Li Keqiang pledged better services and policies to boost reforms and innovation in science and technology (S&T).

An annual ceremony to honor distinguished scientists and research achievements is held in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 9, 2017. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

China will advance key projects in cutting-edge technology targeting future needs, improve infrastructure, enhance basic S&T research and innovation, and establish mechanisms to support S&T workers.

Scientific research institutions, universities and people taking the lead in S&T innovation will be entitled more power in doing their job, said Li.

Distribution policies must be better implemented to honor and reward innovators, Li said, adding that the country is willing to offer opportunities for S&T talent, from home or abroad, to fulfill their ambitions here in China.

Li called for integrated development of scientific achievements in various industries, cooperation between enterprises and S&T institutions and workers, as well as better intellectual property rights protection.

Presiding over the ceremony, Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli called on S&T workers to follow the example set by the prize winners, and contribute to the country’s drive to become a major S&T power.

Before the ceremony, President Xi and other leaders met with the representatives of the winners.

The ceremony, attended by around 3,300 representatives from the Communist Party of China, state and military organs and S&T circles, honored 279 projects, seven scientists and one international organization with national prizes.

The international S&T cooperation prizes were awarded to five scientists from the United States, Germany and France, and the Mexico-headquartered International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center.

Story by Xinhua News Agency.