Chen Liqun and Ben De Awarded China's Highest Scientific Honor

[Policy Highlights] The 2025 State Science and Technology Awards were announced, with Chen Liqun and Ben De receiving the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award.

Key Developments: Chen Liqun and Ben De Receive Top Honors in Science and Technology

On July 8, the 2025 State Science and Technology Awards recognized 258 projects and 11 experts. Academician Chen Liqun from the Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, was honored for his foundational contributions to lithium-ion battery technology, including breakthroughs that overcame patent barriers related to lithium iron phosphate and lithium cobalt oxide materials, and for advancing the large-scale application of sodium-ion batteries. Academician Ben De from China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), a pioneer in airborne pulse-Doppler radar technology, was recognized for successfully developing China’s first fire-control radar based on this technology and its first large phased-array early-warning radar.

Key Statistics: Clear Structure Across Three Major Award Categories

This year’s awards include 51 State Natural Science Awards (including 3 First Prizes), 58 State Technological Invention Awards (including 3 First Prizes), and 149 State Scientific and Technological Progress Awards (including 3 Special Prizes). Additionally, the International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Award was conferred upon 9 individuals.