The Ministry of Science and Technology released the decision on Feb.21 to commend advanced units and individuals in carrying out the national sci-tech program during the 11th Five-Year Plan period (2005-2010). Hunan University was awarded for their excellent performance.

During the 11th Five-Year Plan period, Hunan University enhanced its sci-tech innovation capabilities significantly. The university made great breakthroughs in leading the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program), national philosophy and other social sciences projects, undertaking major sci-tech research projects worth of more than 100 million yuan and creating state-of-the-art technologies.

The four-wheel-three-axis lunar vehicle independently developed by Hunan University was acclaimed as one of the two object achievements of the sci-tech innovation program of universities and colleges initiated by the Ministry of Education. This vehicle was also displayed at the achievements exhibition to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The number of papers by scholars and experts of the university in the three major international retrieval systems remains in the forefront among colleges and universities across the country. The number of papers cited by SCI (Science Citation Index) ranked 30 among institutions of higher learning throughout the country.