Top prize for pioneers in military technology

By Liang Chen Source:Global Times Published: 2013-1-19 0:43:00

Explosion mechanics expert Zheng Zhemin and radar engineer Wang Xiaomo won China's top science award on Friday, marking the first time both winners specialized in the field of military science and technology.

Military experts noted this year's recipients of the National Supreme Scientific and Technological Award reflect progress China has made in national defense.

"We also want to fulfill a leading role (in military science and technology) in the international community, which means being ranked alongside other advanced countries," Wang told China Central Television (CCTV) on Friday.

Wang, a 74-year-old member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), has devoted himself to the research and design of radar technology for the past 30 years.

He is affectionately regarded as the "father" of airborne warning and control systems in China.

"China has made and designed the world's most advanced early warning aircraft systems," Wang said.

The National Supreme Science and Technology Award, China's most prestigious science honor, is awarded to prominent scientists who have made remarkable contributions to scientific and technological innovation, according to a statement on www.gov.cn on Friday.

Zheng, 88, a member of both the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the CAE, was lauded for his scientific research in solid mechanics, elastic mechanics, explosion processing and underground nuclear explosions.

Zheng is also a foreign associate of the US National Academy of Sciences.

"Military technology has always been at the forefront of scientific and technological development. We expect to see more state-of-the-art talents appearing from the military science and technology field," Li Daguang, a senior military expert at the PLA University of National Defense, told the Global Times on Friday.

It is also foreseeable that more breakthroughs in military science will be put into civil use, Li noted.

The top prize is also awarded to scientists whose pioneering work has led to significant economic returns or promoted social progress.

"To present two military equipment experts with the country's top science award shows China is strengthening its comprehensive national power and defense forces. It also shows the nation's efforts in the area of national defense construction," Teng Jianqun, director of the Arms Control Research Center at the China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times.

Wang and Zheng's accolade has served as a "huge inspiration" for prominent experts and fellow scientists working on national defense projects, Teng added.

"I was delighted. Hopefully I can learn from the winners and contribute to the development of national defense after I graduate," Tang Jiang, a PhD candidate from the Yantai-based Naval Aeronautical Engineering Academy, told the Global Times.

The top award, established in 2000, is awarded annually to two scientists at most.

A total of 20 scientists, their average age of over 80, have won the prize that includes 5 million yuan (about $600,000) each.

Mathematician Wu Wenjun and hybrid-rice expert Yuan Longping were the first to win the award in 2000.

Environmental scientist Liu Dongsheng and chief designer of China's manned space flight project Wang Yongzhi won the award in 2003.

No winner was announced for the award in 2004.

Winners are decided after vigorous evaluation process.

"After getting recommendations from the provincial-level governments, departments under the administration of the State Council or winners of the award, the nominees are scrutinized by a review board composed of 25 top-notch experts from the National Science and Technology Committee," Chen Zhimin, vice director of the National Office of Science and Technology Awards, told CCTV.

Xinhua contributed to this story

 



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