Two scientists were given the State Scientific and Technological Award, China's top science prize, by President Hu Jintao on January 18. The ceremony acknowledges scientists who achieved major breakthroughs in cutting-edge research.

Explosion expert Zheng Zhemin, 88, is a Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) academician devoted to areas such as elastic mechanics, explosive processing and underground nuclear detonation.

Radar engineer Wang Xiaomo, 74, also hails from the CAE and has been engaged in the research and design of radar technology for the past 30 years. He is regarded the father of aerial warning and control systems in China.