Wang Xuan, 65, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, former head of the Institute of Computer Technology attached to Beijing University, is called the "father of Chines language laser typesetting".

Huang Kun, 82, is a member of the CAS and an expert in solid state physics.

The two scientists were awarded for their outstanding achievements in the country's science and technology development. The state award is conferred to no more than two scientists each year.

Premier Zhu Rongji said at the awarding ceremony that intensified international competition as a whole features competition in scientific strength and the capacity for technological innovation.

He emphasized that the speeding up of science and technology development and raising the national science and technology level is an urgent task for the central government.

Zhu Rongji required scientists and technicians to develop more key technologies with intellectual property rights and urged the industrialization of technological innovation and of scientific discoveries.

He called for more efforts in fostering domestic personnel and the introduction of outstanding personnel from overseas.

Zhu claimed that the central government is to adopt new measures to attract more outstanding overseas scientists.

The awarding ceremony was hosted by Vice President Hu Jintao, and Vice Premier Li Lanqing read out the decision of the State Council for the award.

( February 3, 2002)