Qingdao was involved in 14 science and technology awards at a high-profile annual ceremony held in Beijing, to honor excellent scientists and research achievements on Feb 14. Qingdao brought home more awards than any other city in Shandong province.

Qingdao's marine projects stood out in all 14 awards. The project for key technologies and applications for the testing of oceanographic instruments and working foundation platforms was awarded the second-grade National Prize for Progress in Science and Technology. The project was led by Dr. Wu Dexing, president of the Ocean University of China (OUC).

The Qingdao-based OUC has won national science and technology awards for six consecutive years.

The world's longest cross-sea bridge, Jiaozhou Bay Bridge that opened last July, was on the list of the second-grade "National Technological Invention Award". This award is related to the technology of underwater concrete boxed cofferdam without bottoms. These not only saved 160 million yuan ($25.44 million) for the project, but also shortened the construction period.

Furthermore, the core part of this advanced technology has been applied in the world's largest "Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge" project, according to a local report.

Haier Group won the first prize for "Enterprise Technological Innovation Project", showing that enterprises in Qingdao have made great breakthroughs in research.

The team led by academician Xie Lixin, who created a new theory and technical application for the deadly infectious keratitis, was honored as another second-grade "National Prize for Progress in Science and Technology" for Qingdao city.

By Xie Chuanjiao and Hu Qingdao (chinadaily.com.cn)

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Rakhee M