Two American scientists were among seven people who received the International Cooperation Award in Science and Technology in Beijing, China on Friday . The two researchers were awarded for their respective outstanding services to the country.

The two awardees - W. Ian Lipkin, director of the Center for Infection and Community, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, and Peter Stang, chemistry professor and former dean of science at the University of Utah - were both surprised and honored when their names and works were recognized. 

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Dr. Lipkin, who considers this honor to be the greatest award a scientist can ever receive, is proud to say that he took part in China's new era of science. In an interview with Xinhua, Lipkin recalled that three years ago he received an invitation from the vice president of China's Academy of Science, Chen Zhou, amid the SARS outbreak. He was asked to assess the state of the epidemic, determine gaps and devise a strategy to contain the deadly virus or reduce its prevalence. After the outbreak was controlled, Lipkin further helped in establishing centers that can quickly detect and respond to emerging infectious disease threats.

His academic efforts focused on teaching and advising young scientists, encouraging Chinese scientists to return to the mainland and devote their knowledge in the field of drug diagnostics and discovery. Until now, he remains a consultant with the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Chinese Academy of Science and the Ministry of Health. 

Peter Stang, the other awardee, also said he was not expecting to receive the prestigious recognition. Stang's contribution includes partnering with Chinese chemists following a visit to the Institute of Chemistry at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. 

Stang not only praised the expertise of Chinese chemists but also expressed his personal interest in China's culture, history, people and food. China is so close to Stang's heart that his 10-peorson research team is composed of seven Chinese researchers.

"I hope China will continue to strongly support science and technology," Stang said. "Future economic wellbeing and the health and wealth of people all over the world depend on new discoveries and developments in science and technology."

The awards were presented on Friday by state leaders including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang. Aside from the two US awardees, there were also five other recipients from different countries, namely, Italy's Carlo Rubbia, Japan's Kazuki Okimura, Russia's Evgeny Velikhov, Sweden's Jan-Christer Janson, and the Netherlands' Joannes E. Frencken.

The International Cooperation Award in Science and Technology has awarded 101 foreigners and two international organizations since 1995.

TagsScience, International Cooperation Award in Science and Technology, highest honor in China, Ian Lipkin, Peter Stang