On Jan 8, the 2017 National Science & Technology Awards Ceremony was held in Beijing at the Great Hall of the People. Explosives expert Wang Zeshan and virologist Hou Yunde received the nation’s top science award for their outstanding contributions to scientific and technological innovation.

Wang, 82, is an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering. He is known in the academic field as the "King of Explosives" for his research into compounds that have important civilian and military applications. His inventions have improved the launch range of Chinese missiles and cannons by more than 20 percent.

Hou, 88, born in Changzhou, also an academician at the CAE, is the founder of China's modern field of virology. He laid the foundation for China's molecular virus research, wrote numerous textbooks, created China's first genetically engineered drugs � highly potent medicines that can be mass-produced � saving millions of lives and billions for the country's economy.

The nation's top science award comes with a prize of 5 million yuan ($769,000). Twenty-nine scientists have received the award since it was established in 2000.

Seven foreign scientists won the state award for international cooperation and they received certificates from the top leaders at the ceremony.

Premier Li Keqiang said at the ceremony that the country should implement the plans of the Party's 19th National Congress, make its guide Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and carry out an innovation-driven development strategy.

The premier also pledged to enhance international cooperation, speed up the formation of international joint research centers and build a global platform for innovation.