CHEN LIQUAN, founder of China’s lithium battery sector, and Ben De, a renowned radar technology expert, were presented with the country’s top sci-tech award for 2025 at a grand ceremony in Beijing on Wednesday.

Chen, 86, is a researcher at the Institute of Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE). Widely recognized as the founder, pioneer and leader of China’s lithium battery industry, Chen has devoted more than five decades to advancing the field. He pioneered solid-state ionics research in China, led the development of the country’s first lithium-ion battery, and proposed an in-situ solidification strategy for solid-state electrolytes — driving fundamental breakthroughs while advancing their industrialization. His work has been closely aligned with national strategic needs and has helped establish China’s leading position in next-generation battery technologies.

Ben, 88, is a researcher at the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation and also a CAE academician. He is acclaimed as the founder of China’s airborne pulse Doppler radar technology, a major pioneer of phased array radar technology, and a forerunner of space-based surveillance radar. He led the development of China’s first ground-based, ultra-long-range phased-array early-warning radar and the country’s airborne pulsed Doppler fire-control radar — breakthroughs that laid the foundation for China’s land, sea, air and space-based early-warning and surveillance architecture, making significant contributions to national defense.

The two laureates received the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award at a meeting that combined the national science and technology award conference, the general assemblies of the members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the CAE, and the 11th National Congress of the China Association for Science and Technology. The meeting was held to honor the nation’s distinguished scientists and research achievements.

Wednesday’s ceremony honored 258 projects and 11 scientific and technological experts in total. Among them, 51 projects received the State Natural Science Award, 58 projects the State Technological Invention Award, and 149 projects the State Scientific and Technological Progress Award. In addition to the two recipients of the top award, nine experts were conferred the China International Science and Technology Cooperation Award.

(Xinhua, SD-Agencies)