CHINA: Elderly Scientists Honoured With State Science Award

BEIJING (China Daily - Xinhua), January 8, 2008: Amid soaring global oil prices, China honoured an 84-year-old petrochemical scientist and a 91-year-old botanist with the state annual science and technology award for 2007 at a ceremony today. President Hu Jintao presented the 5 million yuan cash award to the winners for their technical innovation at the Great Hall of the People. Min Enze, from southwestern Sichuan province, laid the foundation of petroleum refining catalysis in China and was praised for his research and development of petrochemical green chemistry and better biofuel, Xinhua said. He is senior adviser of the Research Institute of Petroleum Processing. Botanist Wu Zhengyi, from eastern Jiangzi province, spent 70 years in research and education and is the chief editor of the book titled "Flora of China" described as the most comprehensive of its kind on plant species and distribution in China. Copyright 1995-2007 China Daily.