Beijing science awards add categories

Three categories have been added to Beijing's municipal science and technology awards for individuals, including one set aside for foreign talent, a first since the honors were established in 2002, officials said on Friday.

The expansion is intended to promote international communication and cooperation in the sector.

The changes come with the recent revision of the city's guidelines to improve the types of awards given, the nomination process and the review mechanism, according to Yang Renquan, spokesman for the Beijing Science and Technology Commission.

"The biggest difference from the previous guidelines is that we have set up three awards for individuals. They are for individuals who have made outstanding contributions, for young scientists and for foreign individuals who contribute in science and technology cooperation with Beijing or have helped to raise the capital's international influence in the sector," he said.

Yang added that those eligible for the young scientist award must be no older than 40.

"The award for foreign scientists is a big step in Beijing's efforts to build itself into an international communication center for the nation," Yang said.

Previously, the awards recognized teams for achievements or projects. In 2018, 212 projects and achievements were honored, including 24 first-prize, 58 second-prize and 130 third-prize winners. Each year's awards are announced in the first quarter of the subsequent year.

Starting this year, the awards will include three types based on achievements or projects - for natural science, technological inventions or scientific processes - joining the other three categories for individuals.

Guo Wenshu of the Beijing Bureau of Justice, said foreign scientists have never been excluded from nominations for the city's science and technology awards.

"Foreigners have the same rights as Chinese who apply," she said.

Last year, 14 foreigners won awards. The new awards for foreign individuals are part of the nation's efforts to further boost cooperation between Beijing and foreign scientists and scientific organizations.