On the occasion of the 10th “National Science and Technology Workers’ Day,” the results of the 4th National Innovation and Progress Award were officially announced. Prof. Yongsheng Chen from the College of Chemistry at Nankai University was honored with the National Innovation and Progress Award in recognition of his outstanding scientific innovations and contributions to society.

Prof. Yongsheng Chen, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a fellow of the Chinese Chemical Society, is a recipient of the State Council Special Government Allowance and serves as a Chair Professor and doctoral supervisor at Nankai University. He has long been engaged in fundamental and applied research on functional polymer materials, producing highly original and pioneering scientific results. He was the first to propose and realize the design concept of “acceptor–donor–acceptor (A–D–A)” structured efficient oligomeric organic photovoltaic materials and three-dimensional cross-linked graphene/carbon-based polymer materials. He has developed a series of novel polymer materials for photoelectric energy applications and created high-performance devices including efficient organic photovoltaic devices, active bidirectional (cooling/heating) human thermal management systems, supercapacitors, and lithium batteries. Many of his original achievements have been successfully translated into practical applications. Prof. Chen has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Second Prize of the National Natural Science Award and the First Prize of the Tianjin Natural Science Award, and has been honored as a Model Worker of Tianjin and an Excellent Teacher of Tianjin. His work has provided critical technological support for the innovative development of photoelectric and new energy materials in China.

The National Innovation and Progress Award was established in 2017 with the approval of the CPC Central Committee and is jointly administered by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the China Association for Science and Technology, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council. The award recognizes outstanding scientific and technological professionals and teams that have made exceptional contributions in areas such as basic research, breakthroughs in core technologies, and innovation in major engineering projects. It is regarded as another major national science and technology award, following the National Natural Science Award, the National Technological Invention Award, and the National Science and Technology Progress Award.

The award is presented once every three years. In this cycle, a total of seven teams received the National Innovation and Progress Award Plaques, 26 individuals were honored with the Innovation and Progress Medals, and 232 scientific and technological workers were awarded the Innovation and Progress Certificates.

Focused Research, Collaborative Breakthroughs

Bold Progress, Reaching New Heights

Congratulations to Prof. Yongsheng Chen!