Who will be named China’s next top scientist? The countdown begins
- Regarded as the Chinese Nobel Prizes, the annual national science and technology awards have been running since 1955
- Focus is on original work that could lead international research
China’s top scientists will learn in early January who will receive the annual prestigious science awards, regarded as the country’s Nobel Prizes.
The 2018 winners were selected at Wednesday’s State Council meeting, according to state news agency Xinhua, but their identities will remain under wraps until next year’s ceremony, when President Xi Jinping will present the honours, along with cheques of up to five million yuan (US$730,000).
The national science and technology awards were established in 1955 – just six years after the founding of the people’s republic – and the prize money has grown considerably, from 10,000 yuan (US$1,455) to the millions of yuan available today to the scientists whose discoveries contribute to the country’s economic growth and defences.
For the 300 or so scientists nominated each year, the greatest accolade is the supreme science prize, regarded as a lifetime achievement award, for trailblazing work in fundamental science.
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Over the past two decades 29 Chinese scientists have received the supreme award, during which time the country’s GDP has grown 10 times, thanks to opening up and a focus on science and technology.
