The 2025 National Science and Technology Awards Conference was held in Beijing on July 8, with two scientists, Academician Chen Liquan and Academician Ben De, added to the list of recipients of China’s highest science and technology award.

The National Science and Technology Awards Conference, the General Assembly of Members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and the 11th National Congress of the China Association for Science and Technology were held in Beijing on the morning of July 8. According to Xinhua News Agency, President Xi Jinping presented awards to recipients of the National Highest Science and Technology Award and delivered an important speech.

Chen Liquan, born in 1940, is a researcher at the Institute of Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. He is recognized as a founder, pioneer, and leader in China’s lithium battery industry.

Ben De, born in 1938, is a researcher at China Electronics Technology Group Corporation and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. He is recognized as a founder of China’s airborne pulse Doppler radar technology, a major pioneer of phased-array radar technology, and a leading figure in the development of space-based surveillance radar technology.

The 2025 National Science and Technology Awards recognized a total of 258 projects and 11 scientific experts. Among them, two scientists received the National Highest Science and Technology Award. A total of 51 projects won the National Natural Science Award, including three first prizes and 48 second prizes. Another 58 projects received the National Technology Invention Award, including three first prizes and 55 second prizes. Meanwhile, 149 projects were awarded the National Science and Technology Progress Award, including three special prizes, 13 first prizes, and 133 second prizes. In addition, nine individuals received the International Science and Technology Cooperation Award of the People’s Republic of China.