On the morning of January 8, 2019, the 2018 National Science and Technology Awards Conference was held in Beijing. Party and State leaders including Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, Wang Huning and Han Zheng were in attendance. The awards were presented by Xi Jinping, and Li Keqiang addressed the assembly on behalf of the Party Central Committee. Han Zheng presided over the ceremony.

In 2018, USTB won a total of 7 National Science and Technology Awards for its achievements in scientific research. Of the 7 projects which USTB was recognized for, it led 3 projects and was a participant in 4. According to China’s Ministry of Education, USTB won 2 second-place prizes in the natural sciences, 1 second-place prize in technological invention, 1 first-place prize in scientific and technological progress, and 2 second-place prizes for scientific and technological progress. Altogether this resulted in USTB ranking 8th among Chinese universities.

The winners included Professor Zhang Yue who won the State Natural Science Award Second Prize for “Basic research on interface regulation and application of one-dimensional zinc oxide”, Professor Lv Zhaoping who won the State Natural Science Award Second Prize for “Research on the structure and strength of bulk amorphous alloys”, and Professor Zhang Shengen who won the State Technological Invention Award Second Prize for “Key technological innovation and industrialization of complex component strategic metal recycling”.

Professors Zhang Xinxin and Feng Yanhua won the State Science and Technology Progress First Prize for their work on “Development and application of clean and efficient coking technology and equipment”, Professor Liu Guoquan won the State Science and Technology Progress Second Prize for his work on “Development and application of complete technology for key materials of metal structures for super-large hydropower stations”, Professor Xie Zhenjia won the State Technological Invention Award Second Prize for his work on “Research of steel materials and high performance steel technology based on M3 organization and regulation”, and Professor Duan Xiaoli won the State Science and Technology Progress Second Prize Award for his work on “Exposure risk prevention and control technology for regional environmental pollution population and its applications”.

Professor Zhang Yue’s project was titled “Basic research on interface regulation and application of one-dimensional zinc oxide”. The project developed the technology of direct thermal oxidation of metals and laser confined fabrication, addressed one-dimensional zinc oxide structures and new methods of interface multi-field coupling effects, and demonstrated progress in developing national defense technology.

Professor Lu Zhaoping’s research centered on key scientific issues in the research of a new generation of structural materials and bulk amorphous alloys. It revealed the alloys atomic structures and atomic stacking, and put forth new ideas on the improvement and overall strengthening of the alloys.

Professor Zhang Shengen developed the technology of a cyanide-free wet extraction method for precious metals, direct electrolysis of high-value alloys, and heavy metal pollution prevention and control. He has secured 2 US patents, 25 Chinese patents and 28 model utility patents. He has also published 2 monographs and 36 papers. His work has resulted in many cost- and water-saving ventures throughout China, helping to push forward green technology.

In addition, research on developing safer methods for blasting technology in coal mines which was presided over by USTB President and Professor Yang Renshu, won the the second prize of the National Technology Invention Award. The project invented new technology for tunnel blasting, realizing new and intelligent technologies that guarantees the safe and rapid excavation of coal mine roadways in China.