The ceremony for China's State Top Scientific and Technological Awards was held on February 14, 2012 for outstanding contributions to the country's development in science and technology.

Thirty-nine scientific projects from Shandong Province received prizes from the National Office for Science & Technology Awards on Tuesday for their outstanding contributions to China's scientific community.

Of the 41 research projects awarded for their technological innovations at the ceremony, six from Shandong Province earned second place prizes.

The rest 33 awarded projects from the province landed second place prizes for advancing scientific research and development.

President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and senior leaders Li Changchun and Li Keqiang attended the event hosted in the Great Hall of the People. Hu and Wen conferred the State Top Scientific and Technological Award to physicist Xie Jialin and engineer Wu Liangyong, each also receiving a 5 million yuan (US$794,900) prize.

The State Top Scientific and Technological Award is China's highest honor for achievements in science. It was established in 2000.