A total of 56 mainland scientists received awards from the Hong Kong-based Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation yesterday in Beijing for their outstanding contributions towards scientific progress on the mainland.

Gu Fangzhou, a 75-year-old anti-virus researcher and a senior adviser at China Concord University of Medical Science, won the HK$200,000 (US$25,600) prize from the foundation for his 40 years of dedication to the study of wild polio virus prevention and control.

China's eradication of the wild polio virus was confirmed by the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region last year.

These award-winning scientists have broken new ground in their fields involving mathematics, physics, chemistry, medicine and agronomy, said Zhu Lilan, chairwoman of the foundation's trust committee, at yesterday's award ceremony.

One of the prize winners, Shan Lun, for example, has studied water-saving technology for agricultural development in the Loess Plateau and arid northwestern areas.

"Crowning outstanding scientists with honors is our continuous duty," said Cheng Siwei, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

Cheng called on regional governments to further improve working and living conditions for scientists and to enrich their research instruments and documents.

He reiterated that the state cherishes the training of higher-level talents, especially the pioneers who devote themselves to studies at the forefront of science.

The Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation was established in Hong Kong in 1994 to give awards to mainland scientists who make excellent contributions to cutting-edge scientific fields.

The foundation was subdivided into the Awards for Scientific Achievements - HK$1 million (US$128,200) for each winner, and the Awards for Technological Progress - HK$200,000 (US$25,600) for each winner.

To date, the foundation has recognized 426 scientists, covering both divisions.

But this year, the 56 winners all received HK$200,000 (US$25,600) from the foundation's Awards for Technological Progress. This year, no one qualified for the HK$1 million (US$128,200) prize for the Awards for Scientific Achievements, insiders from the foundation said.

Chen Jia'er, a foundation winner, said the honor is an inspiration to all scientists because it reflects the public's respect for academic circles.

(China Daily October 26, 2001)