CAS Members Laureled with State Preeminent S&T Award

On November 3, the Chinese government conferred the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award on two meritorious scientists, both CAS Members, to recognize their outstanding S&T contributions. Prof. GU Songfen, founder of aerodynamics of China, and Prof. WANG Dazhong, renowned expert in nuclear energy technology, win the supreme honor of the State in the field of science and technology.

Since its launching, a total of 35 scientists have won this honor. Brilliant names listed among laureates include Prof. YUAN Longping, the father of hybrid rice, and CAS Member Prof. WU Wenjun, an outstanding mathematician.

CAS Member Prof. GU Songfen, aerodynamicist

Born in February 1930, Prof. GU Songfen has devoted himself for decades to the development of aerodynamics of China, tackling a series of challenging hardcore issues critical for aeronautics & astronautics technology, having spearheaded the establishment of the State’s airplane design system, and promoted the aviation industry of the country. As a founder of aerodynamics in China, he has laid a foundation for the aerodynamic design of both sub-sonic and supersonic speed airplanes for the country; he has also championed several grand programs of national strategic importance.

CAS Member Prof. WANG Dazhong, nuclear physicist

Born February 1935, Prof. WANG Dazhong is well-known as a professor and former President of Tsinghua University, China. A nuclear physicist of international influence, he has long devoted himself to the pursuit of safe, advanced nuclear energy technology. He took charge of the research, design and development of the first 5MW shell-integrated nuclear heating low-temperature experimental reactor and the first 10MW pebble-bed modular high-temperature gas-cooling reactor of inherent safety, and he has been actively promoting the application of the above advanced nuclear energy technologies. His team has blazed a trail for nuclear energy technologies featured with inherent safety and modular construction.