Scientists honored for educating the public

Botanist Xu Zhihong and urologist Sun Yinghao were honored on Saturday for their contributions to the public's understanding of science.

Xu, former president of Peking University, and Sun, president of the Second Military Medical University, were named "outstanding people" at the 6th Shanghai Science Education and Innovation Awards.

“Scientists have a responsibility to spread scientific knowledge to the public. Scientists should walk into the crowds,” said 76-year-old Xu at the Shanghai Children’s Art Theater, where the award ceremony was held. “I always think that the popularization of science is as important as scientific research.”

Xu made an atlas of 183 plants at Peking University, and travels around the country giving science lectures and reports.

Over the past 40 years, it is estimated that more than 700,000 people had benefited from Sun's books and lectures on health. 

The awards were established in 2012 by the Shanghai Science Education Development Foundation. This year, 116 scientists, doctors, science education advocates, among others, were honored.

According to the foundation, the awards explore and encourage engagement in science education. Also, it boosts integrated innovation development in the Yangtze River Delta.