A scientist winning China's top science award returned to his home city Nanjing on Tuesday after attending a ceremony for China's most prestigious awards in science and technology held Monday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Wang Zeshan, an explosive expert from Nanjing University of Science and Technology, is one the two scientists that have China’s top science award Monday for their outstanding contributions to scientific and technological innovation. The other award winner is virologist Hou Yunde.
Both recipients will receive a prize of 5 million yuan, or 750 thousand US dollars.
Wang Zeshan is known as China's Alfred Nobel for his contributions to the study of gunpowder, one of ancient China's four era-defining inventions.
He has also made breakthroughs in propellant charging technologies with low temperature sensitivity.
The State Science and Technology Awards have a total of five categories. Among them, the "State Supreme Science and Technology Award" is considered to be China's Nobel Prize.
Monday’s ceremony honored 271 projects and nine scientists with national prizes. Seven foreign scientists won the International Science and Technology Cooperation Awards.
The country’s top science award falls in three different categories: Natural Science, Technological Innovation, as well as Science and Technology Advancement. Seven foreign experts were recognized under the category of International Science and Technology Cooperation.
A total of 29 scientists have received China's Top Scientific and Technological Award since it was established 18 years ago. The government reformed the selection process last year, and for the first time, academic communities are now allowed to suggest nominees. With a focus on transparency and credibility, this Award is aimed at facilitating China‘’s strategy of innovation-driven development.
54 projects from Jiangsu were given the National Science and Technology Award. Since 2012, 402 projects from Jiangsu have won the country’s top science award, ranking the province the first in the country.
Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the ceremony and presented the recipients with their award certificates.
On behalf of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, Premier Li Keqiang extended congratulations to the prize winners and thanked foreign experts for their support to China’s science and technology development.
Li called for more scientific and technological research in major disease prevention and control to improve people’s well-being.
The premier also urged scientists to focus their efforts on making breakthroughs that can improve people's wellbeing, like fighting disease and ensuring food safety.
