Foreign scientists allowed to compete in city's top science awards

Foreign scientists are for the first time allowed to compete in the city’s top science awards, the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission said Friday.

In 2006, the city introduced “international cooperation” category in the Shanghai Science and Technology Awards as to honor foreign scientists for their involvement in local scientific projects. So far, 26 expats have been granted the awards.

This year, the city allowed them to compete with local scientists in awards in natural sciences, technological invention, science and technological progress and the newly established science education.

“We have changed our idea from simply awarding foreign scientists based in Shanghai to awarding those who make great contributions to Shanghai. No matter where they come from, they have the chance to be awarded,” said Han Yuanjian, an official with the city’s science and technology commission.

“Shanghai will be more open to attract brilliant minds across the world, which is necessary in the city’s development to become a global innovation hub,” Han added.

In recent years, the city has witnessed a growing number of global scientific cooperation. Swiss scientist and Nobel chemistry laureate Kurt Wuthrich has built the first nuclear magnetic resonance lab for the ShanghaiTech University in the Zhangjiang Science City.

Besides, foreign scientists who enjoy global reputation, especially Nobel prize winners, will be invited to be judges. And they will be allowed to nominate good projects to compete in the awards.

This year, Shanghai especially introduced “science education” category to the awards, the first city in the country to do so.