Two Chinese scientists, physical chemist Zhang Cunhao and nuclear weapons expert Cheng Kaijia, won China’s top science award on Friday for their outstanding contributions to scientific and technological innovation.

The pair, both academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, were presented with certificates by Chinese President Xi Jinping at an annual ceremony held to honor distinguished scientists and research achievements.

Winners are each entitled to an award of 5 million yuan (826,276 U.S. dollars).

Addressing the ceremony, Premier Li Keqiang said, “China has entered a new stage in which the country must rely more on sci-tech innovation to guide and support its economic development and social progress.”

“Our country’s economy is shifting from high-speed growth to a phase of medium- to high-speed growth,” he said.

The premier said China must rely on scientific and technological innovation to improve the overall quality of its economy, overcome restraints in resources and the environment, and achieve more sustainable development.

(Source: xinhuanet.com)