Peking University, July 9, 2026: It was announced on the morning of July 8 that twelve research achievements led by Peking University (PKU) had won China’s top sci-tech award for the year 2025, including one First Prize and six Second Prizes in the State Natural Science Award, one Second Prize in the State Technological Invention Award, and four Second Prizes in the State Scientific and Technological Progress Award.
Among the recognized achievements, the research team led by Wang Enge, Jiang Ying, and collaborators received the First Prize of the National Natural Science Award for their groundbreaking research on the quantum effects of hydrogen bonding and dynamic processes in water. Over more than two decades of exploration, the team developed a theoretical framework beyond the Born–Oppenheimer approximation and established new approaches for studying complex quantum systems, providing significant insights into the microscopic nature of water and ice structures.
PKU researchers also made major breakthroughs across fields including mathematics, chemistry, life sciences, communication technology, materials science, and medicine. In mathematics, Zhang Zhifei and Wei Dongyi were recognized for their innovative research on flow transition mechanisms, offering new theoretical tools for understanding the transition from laminar flow to turbulence.
In chemistry, Jiao Ning and his team developed innovative methods for molecular structure modification and reconstruction, providing new strategies for precise molecular editing. Researchers including Cao Yunlong and Xiaoliang Sunney Xie made important contributions to understanding virus immune escape mechanisms, while Professor Song Lingyang and his team advanced theories and methods for cellular mobile communication technologies.
Other awarded projects featured breakthroughs in semiconductor materials, ultra-high-definition video technologies, dental repair materials, fertility-preserving treatments for gynecological cancers, etc., demonstrating PKU researchers’ commitment to solving critical scientific and societal challenges.
These achievements highlight PKU’s outstanding contributions to fundamental research, technological innovation, and interdisciplinary advancement. They demonstrate the University’s sustained commitment to addressing major scientific challenges through original innovation and collaboration across disciplines, further reinforcing PKU’s role as a leading institution in advancing science and technology development in China and beyond.
Here is a complete list of the awarded projects:
First Prize in State Natural Science Award
Name: Nuclear Quantum Effects on Hydrogen-Bond and Dynamics of Water
Researchers: Wang Enge, Jiang Ying, Li Xinzheng, Xu Limei, Gao Yiqin
Institution: Peking University
Second Prize in State Natural Science Award
Name: Mathematical Research on the Transition Mechanism of Flow
Researchers: Zhang Zhifei, Wei Dongyi
Institution: Peking University
Second Prize in State Natural Science Award
Name: Molecular Skeleton Modification and Reconstruction Methodologies: Development and Applications
Researchers: Jiao Ning, Song Song, Zhang Chun, Liu Jianzhong, Qiu Xu
Institution: Peking University
Second Prize in State Natural Science Award
Name: Chemical Labeling and Functional Analysis of Glycans
Researchers: Chen Xing, Wang Chu, Dong Suwei, Cheng Bo, Qin Wei
Institution: Peking University
Second Prize in State Natural Science Award
Name: Spring phenology responses to climate change and their eco-climatic impacts in the Northern Hemisphere
Researchers: Piao Shilong, Fu Yongshuo, Lian Xu, Zhao Hongfang, Wang Tao
Institution: Peking University, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
Second Prize in State Natural Science Award
Name: SARS-CoV-2 immune evasion and evolution hotspots
Researchers: Cao Yunlong, Xiaoliang Sunney Xie, Wang Xiangxi, Xiao Junyu, Wang Youchun
Institution: Peking Univeristy, Changping Laboratory, Institute of Biophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
Second Prize in State Natural Science Award
Name: Cooperative Device-to-Device Communication Theory and Methodology
Researchers: Song Lingyang, Cheng Xiang, Di Boya, Zhang Hongliang, Bian Kaigui
Institution: Peking University
Second Prize in State Technological Invention Award
Name: Key Substrate Technologies for Gallium Nitride-Based Light Emitting Devices
Researchers: Wang Xinqiang, Zhang Guoyi, Kang Kai, Li Dongsan, Yu Tongjun, Yuan Ye
Institution: Peking University, Sinopatt Technology Co., Ltd., Naura Technology Co., Ltd., Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, Sino Nitride Group
Second Prize in State Scientific and Technological Progress Award
Name: Entire-Industry-Chain Construction and Popularization of Cistanches Herba — an Endangered Desert Parasitic Traditional Chinese Medicine
Researchers: Tu Pengfei, Guo Yuhai, Li Xiaobo, Tian Yongzhen, Jiang Yong
Institution: Peking University, China Agricultural University, Alxa League Forestry Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University
Second Prize in State Scientific and Technological Progress Award
Name: Key Technologies for Visual Perception Compression and its Applications in Ultra-High-Definition Video Industrialization Development
Researchers: Ma Siwei, Zheng Xiaozhen, Zhi Wei, Wang Ronggang, Shao Xibin, Li Bin, Jia Chuanmin, Wang Shanshe, Jiang Wen, Zhang Jiaqi
Institution: Peking University, DJI, China Central Television, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, BOE, Migu, Sunniwell Co., Ltd.
Second Prize in State Scientific and Technological Progress Award
Name: Development of New Prosthodontic Materials and Clinical Technology System
Researchers: Deng Xuliang, Guo Lin, Chen Lili, Wei Yan, Cai Qing, Xu Mingming, Chen Ying, Zhang Yongjing, Jian Jun, She Zhending
Institution: Peking University, Beihang University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, HUGE, IMEIK, Lando Bio
Second Prize in State Scientific and Technological Progress Award
Name: Innovation and Promotion of Organ Preservation and Functional Reconstruction in Gynecological Malignancies
Researchers: Wang Jianliu, Wu Xiaohua, Ruan Xiangyan, Li Kezhen, Xiang Yang, Wei Lihui, Xiang Wenpei, Du Juan, Li Jin, Yang Fan
Institution: Peking University People’s Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Tongji Medical College of HUST, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Kadwise
Written by: Wong Jun Heng
Edited by: Chen Shizhuo
Graphic design by: Chen Wangyannuo, Ng Wan Xuan Florence
