A conference to celebrate the annual National Science and Technology Workers' Day and commend winners of the National Innovation Award was held on May 30, 2023.

Prof. Luo An from Hunan University (HNU), also an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), was awarded the National Innovation Medal, making him the sole recipient of this prestigious honor in Hunan Province.

Prof. Li Kenli and Prof. Li Shutao from HNU were also honored with the National Innovation Award.

The National Innovation Award is another important national science and technology award, after the National Natural Science Award, National Technology Invention Award, and National Science and Technology Progress Award. It is the second-highest honor for sci-tech talents following the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award.

The National Innovation Award was approved by the CPC Central Committee in 2017 and established by the Chinese Association for Science and Technology (CAST), the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC). This award aims to acknowledge individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to scientific and technological innovation in areas related to global frontiers of science and technology, national economic development, major national needs, and the health and safety of the people. The recognition period is valid for three years. This year marks the third year for the National Innovation Award. Seven groups and 277 individuals (including 26 recipients of the innovation medals) were commended.

Luo An

Li Kenli

Li Shutao