Summary of Key Highlights
The 2025 National Science and Technology Awards were announced, with three first prizes in the category of National Natural Sciences awarded for the first time, marking a significant breakthrough in China’s foundational research efforts from a state of “starting from scratch.” The award-winning achievements cover a range of fields, including fundamental frontiers such as chemistry, physics, and information technology, as well as national strategic priorities like deep-sea exploration and integrated circuits, and issues related to public welfare, such as metabolic diseases and welding safety. This reflects the comprehensive nature of technological innovation that connects both cutting-edge research with industrial and societal needs.
1. Groundbreaking Achievements in Fundamental Research
The most notable aspect of these awards is the awarding of three first prizes in natural sciences for the first time, representing the highest level of recognition in this field. Each achievement represents a “world-first” breakthrough:
- Chemistry: Single-atom catalysis: This innovation enables every atom in the catalyst to be active, significantly improving efficiency compared to traditional catalysts. It can be applied in industries such as chemicals and materials, making fertilizer production more energy-efficient and automobile exhaust treatment more environmentally friendly. This is an original Chinese theory with international influence.
- Physics: The full quantum effects of hydrogen bonds in water: For the first time, the quantum properties of individual hydrogen bonds have been accurately measured, revealing that water can form new types of ice under extreme conditions, which breaks traditional ice structure rules and opens up new possibilities for researching materials like superconductors.
- Information Technology: Fluorescent-free LEDs: Traditional LEDs rely on fluorescent powders to emit light, but these new devices use chips instead, resulting in brighter and more energy-efficient lighting. They can also be used to create miniature displays (e.g., in AR glasses). The world’s first yellow-light AR glasses utilize this technology, driving the advancement of the semiconductor industry.
These three achievements indicate that China’s foundational research is no longer merely following others but is now taking a leading role.
2. Regional Innovation Leads the Way
The award distribution across different regions highlights regional innovation capabilities:
- Shanghai: Accounts for one-quarter of the national awards (68 out of 165), with a continuous 21-year contribution of over 10%. For example, the agricultural technology developed by the team led by Wang Ertao from the Chinese Academy of Sciences helps farmers reduce fertilizer use while increasing crop yields; the photonic control materials developed by the team led by Yu Yanlei from Fudan University can be used as “muscles” in intelligent robots that change shape when exposed to light.
- Zhejiang: Set a new record with 23 awards, including six second prizes in natural sciences, demonstrating the effectiveness of its investment in foundational research.
- Jiangsu: Leads in deep-sea technology: The “Striver” submersible, developed by the China Ship Science Research Center, won a special award, with Academician Ben De receiving the highest honor, highlighting Jiangsu’s strength in advanced equipment manufacturing.
These regional achievements show that innovation in China is not limited to individual successes but is part of a coordinated regional effort.
3. National Strategies Address Critical Challenges
Many of the awarded projects aim to solve critical issues facing the country:
- Deep-sea Exploration: The “Striver” submersible leads the world in deep-sea exploration capabilities, with a maximum capacity of three people, fast diving speeds, and extended operational times. It has served 10 countries and conducted 513 dives, contributing to the exploration of deep-sea resources and marine security.
- Integrated Circuits: The nanometer metrology technology developed by the team from Tongji University uses atomic wavelengths as standards, eliminating the need for foreign calibration and solving precision issues in chip manufacturing. This has been recognized by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology as an advanced technology.
These achievements have helped China overcome limitations in key areas, strengthening its national technological security.
4. Technology for a Better Quality of Life
Many of the innovations directly address everyday challenges faced by the public:
- Metabolic Disease Prevention: The team led by Wang Weiqing from Ruijin Hospital has established a metabolic database involving millions of people and found that enhanced blood pressure control can reduce cardiovascular risks by 21%. They have also developed non-invasive blood glucose meters and fully automatic eye disease detectors, reducing the suffering of patients.
- Welding Safety: The team led by Li Yongbing from Shanghai Jiao Tong University has solved a common problem in rail transit and automobile manufacturing—thin-walled structures are prone to damage during welding. Their intelligent technology enables automatic monitoring, improving equipment safety and driving industrial progress.
These innovations have transformed technology into tangible benefits that improve people’s lives.
5. The Significance of Fundamental Research
The characteristics of these award-winning achievements reflect the country’s strategic direction:
- Emphasis on Original Innovation: The three first prizes in natural sciences are a testament to the government’s commitment to strengthening foundational research. In the past, China often focused on improving existing technologies; now, it is striving to create its own innovations.
- Integration of Industry, Academia, and Research: Many achievements have been applied in real-world settings, such as agriculture and manufacturing, indicating that the gap between research and industry has been bridged.
With continued investment in foundational research, China can expect more “from-zero-to-one” breakthroughs that will enhance both national strength and improve people’s lives through technology.