Chinese Academy of Sciences Awards Pioneers in Science and Technology
The Chinese Academy of Sciences recognizes trailblazers in the fields of science and technology.
TroibNews 
The Chinese Academy of Sciences announced the 2024 Outstanding Science and Technology Achievement Prize on Thursday, honoring two scientists alongside 14 scientific achievements.
Chen Liquan from the Institute of Physics at CAS and Chen Xianhui from the University of Science and Technology of China received the Individual Achievement Award.
Chen Liquan, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, has dedicated more than 40 years to lithium battery research since 1976. His establishment of the field of solid-state ionics in China and leadership in the country's early lithium battery research and development have laid the groundwork for the ongoing advancement of China’s lithium battery industry.
Chen Xianhui, an academician of CAS, has made substantial contributions to frontier areas such as quantum materials, which encompass Kagome superconductors, interface superconductivity, and magnetic topological insulators. His innovative work has laid a solid physical foundation for technological progress in quantum materials, furthering cutting-edge research in this domain.
Four projects received the Basic Research Award, including studies on the early formation and evolution of the Milky Way and the multi-timescale environmental evolution of Mars.
Researchers from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics and the National Astronomical Observatories of CAS conducted significant multidisciplinary research on Mars' environmental evolution, achieving notable breakthroughs in comprehending multi-timescale water activity on the planet.
They made unique discoveries regarding fine structural layering and lateral variations in Mars' shallow subsurface, which provide new insights into the planet's long-term water activity and changing environment. These findings have significantly enhanced the understanding of water activity on Mars and offered new perspectives on the long-term coevolution of the planet’s paleomagnetic field and its paleoenvironment.
The Technology Invention Award was given to five projects, including one focused on developing and implementing large-scale compressed air energy storage technology.
A team from the Institute of Engineering Thermophysics at CAS developed an advanced compressed air energy storage system that functions without fossil fuels and is not dependent on specific geographical conditions. They have successfully created the world's first 10MW, 100MW, and 300MW demonstration systems, setting new international performance benchmarks.
Five additional projects were recognized with the Science and Technology Breakthrough Award, including efforts to mitigate farmland degradation and enhance fertility in black soils.
Researchers from the Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, CAS, and other organizations have concentrated on the conservation and utilization of black soils. Their accomplishments include producing China’s first 10-meter high-resolution map of black soil organic matter and publishing the country’s first white paper on black soils. Through collaborative interdisciplinary research, they have played a role in advancing the national food security strategy.
Established in 2002, the Outstanding Science and Technology Achievement Prize of CAS recognizes individuals or research groups for significant contributions to major achievements over the preceding five years. Nominations and evaluations occur biennially.
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
Chen Liquan from the Institute of Physics at CAS and Chen Xianhui from the University of Science and Technology of China received the Individual Achievement Award.
Chen Liquan, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, has dedicated more than 40 years to lithium battery research since 1976. His establishment of the field of solid-state ionics in China and leadership in the country's early lithium battery research and development have laid the groundwork for the ongoing advancement of China’s lithium battery industry.
Chen Xianhui, an academician of CAS, has made substantial contributions to frontier areas such as quantum materials, which encompass Kagome superconductors, interface superconductivity, and magnetic topological insulators. His innovative work has laid a solid physical foundation for technological progress in quantum materials, furthering cutting-edge research in this domain.
Four projects received the Basic Research Award, including studies on the early formation and evolution of the Milky Way and the multi-timescale environmental evolution of Mars.
Researchers from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics and the National Astronomical Observatories of CAS conducted significant multidisciplinary research on Mars' environmental evolution, achieving notable breakthroughs in comprehending multi-timescale water activity on the planet.
They made unique discoveries regarding fine structural layering and lateral variations in Mars' shallow subsurface, which provide new insights into the planet's long-term water activity and changing environment. These findings have significantly enhanced the understanding of water activity on Mars and offered new perspectives on the long-term coevolution of the planet’s paleomagnetic field and its paleoenvironment.
The Technology Invention Award was given to five projects, including one focused on developing and implementing large-scale compressed air energy storage technology.
A team from the Institute of Engineering Thermophysics at CAS developed an advanced compressed air energy storage system that functions without fossil fuels and is not dependent on specific geographical conditions. They have successfully created the world's first 10MW, 100MW, and 300MW demonstration systems, setting new international performance benchmarks.
Five additional projects were recognized with the Science and Technology Breakthrough Award, including efforts to mitigate farmland degradation and enhance fertility in black soils.
Researchers from the Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, CAS, and other organizations have concentrated on the conservation and utilization of black soils. Their accomplishments include producing China’s first 10-meter high-resolution map of black soil organic matter and publishing the country’s first white paper on black soils. Through collaborative interdisciplinary research, they have played a role in advancing the national food security strategy.
Established in 2002, the Outstanding Science and Technology Achievement Prize of CAS recognizes individuals or research groups for significant contributions to major achievements over the preceding five years. Nominations and evaluations occur biennially.
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
