The list of laureates for the 2025 National Science and Technology Awards was unveiled at the National Science and Technology Award Conference on July 8. The project Theoretical and Satellite Observational Research on Magnetic Reconnection, led by the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), claimed the Second Prize of the National Natural Science Award. Two other projects were each conferred the Second Prize of the National Science and Technology Progress Award: Domestic Hyperspectral Satellite Remote Sensing Technology, Equipment and Applications for Atmospheric Environment, spearheaded by the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; and Technological Innovation and Engineering Promotion of Respirable Dust Control and Early Pneumoconiosis Warning for Large Coal Mines, led by Anhui University of Science and Technology.

Magnetic reconnection rapidly converts magnetic energy into plasma kinetic and thermal energy through the reconstruction of magnetic field topological structures. It serves as the core physical foundation for uncovering the formation mechanisms of hazardous space weather events and analyzing space eruptive phenomena. Leveraging self-developed particle simulation programs, the USTC team integrated theoretical numerical simulations with satellite observational data to deliver a string of original research breakthroughs. The outcomes of the magnetic reconnection project successfully constructed a dynamically evolving turbulent magnetic reconnection model and clarified the acceleration process of charged particles within it. The team discovered for the first time magnetic reconnection occurring in the induced magnetosphere of Venus, a planet lacking an intrinsic magnetic field, and innovativly proposed a new mechanism governing atmospheric escape on Venus.

The project titled Domestic Hyperspectral Satellite Remote Sensing Technology, Equipment and Applications for Atmospheric Environment was developed to meet China’s national demand for constructing a national atmospheric environmental satellite remote sensing system. The research team successfully developed the spaceborne Environmental trace gas Monitoring

Instrument (EMI). It also established a full suite of remote sensing technologies covering hyperspectral distortion correction, radiance correction and multi-component gas retrieval for domestic satellites operating in space environments, enabling precise observation of pollutant gases via domestically developed satellites. Project achievements have been applied to air pollution prevention and control at institutions including the Satellite Environment Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and have largely provided technical support for major national events’ air quality assurance missions using domestic hyperspectral satellites.

Centered on major national priorities for occupational safety and health, the coal mine dust project targets critical challenges including precise respirable dust control and early pneumoconiosis warning. It established a theoretical framework covering dust generation, migration and elimination at mining faces as well as the health hazards they pose to workers. The research team developed continuous monitoring equipment and systems for dust concentration in humid, heavily dust-laden mine working environments, taking the lead in tackling technical and equipment bottlenecks for accurate respirable dust prevention and control in modern large coal mines, and building an integrated system for early pneumoconiosis screening, warning and health protection.

Demonstration mines featuring refined dust control have been put into operation, including Shenmu Hongliulin Mining Co., Ltd. under Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Industry Group, Guqiao Coal Mine of Huainan Mining Group Co., Ltd., and Dongtan Coal Mine of Yankuang Energy Group Co., Ltd. The technologies have been deployed at over 1,500 mining faces across more than 200 coal mines in 18 provincial-level regions, and further extended to domestic and overseas tunnel construction projects.

The National Science and Technology Awards represent China’s highest honors in science and technology. They recognize scientists and frontline researchers who have made creative contributions to basic and applied basic research, breakthroughs in core key technologies, and the development of new quality productive forces. The awards encompass five categories: the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award, the National Natural Science Award, the National Technological Invention Award, the National Science and Technology Progress Award, and the International Science and Technology Cooperation Award of the People’s Republic of China. A total of 258 projects and 11 scientific experts were honored at the 2025 National Science and Technology Awards.

Source: Anhui Daily