By Cheng Yingqi ( China Daily) Time:2014-01-11

From China Daily

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

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

They each won an award of 5 million yuan ($826,000).

Meet the winners

Zhang Cunhao, 85, is a renowned chemist, former president of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a fellow of the Third World Academy of Science.

Zhang graduated from Central University in Nanjing in 1947 before going to study in the United States, receiving a master's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Michigan in 1950.

His early research fields included catalysis, chemical engineering, chemical kinetics and frontier disciplines including the combustion of propellants and chemical lasers. In the 1970s, Zhang worked on chemical laser research and laser spectroscopy of excited molecules, in which he made major contributions.

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