Six science majors from Nanjing University have been awarded scholarships named for Chen Ning Yang, a Nobel laureate and prestigious physicist of the United States.

This is the first scholarship in Yang's name to be offered by a Chinese school.

Jiang Shusheng, president of Nanjing University, said that Yang decided to establish the scholarship to help impoverished college students in the mainland after his visit to Nanjing University last year.

Yang donated a large sum to the university. Along with another fund sponsored by Nanjing University, the Chen Ning Yang Scholarship fund reached a total 500,000 yuan (about US$62,500). The money will be granted to students who are innovative and diligent in basic sciences research.

( November 1, 2001)