Zhejiang University hits record high in China’s top sci-tech awards
Zhejiang University (ZJU) delivered its best-ever performance in China’s top sci-tech awards, winning a record 13 honors for the year 2025.
The awards were presented on July 8 at the National Science and Technology Award Conference, held alongside the General Assemblies of the Members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), and the 11th National Congress of the China Association for Science and Technology. Chinese President XI Jinping presented the nation’s highest science and technology honors and addressed the conference.
ZJU researchers led 12 award-winning project and contributed to another in which ZJU served as the second completing institution. The honors comprised six Second Prizes of the State Natural Science Award, one Second Prize of the State Technological Invention Award, and six Second Prizes of the State Science and Technology Progress Award.
The award-winning projects span a broad range of disciplines, reflecting ZJU’s sustained commitment to advancing scientific discovery, driving technological innovation, and addressing major national priorities. The following highlights showcase the teams and breakthroughs behind these achievements.
Project
Compactness Theory of Riemannian Manifolds and Its Application
Principal Investigator
JIANG Wenshuai (Zhejiang University)
Award
Second Prize, State Natural Science Award
Understanding how geometric spaces develop singularities has long been one of the central challenges in differential geometry. This project developed a systematic theory of neck regions and neck decomposition, introducing powerful new tools for analyzing high-dimensional singularities. The research established landmark results on L2-curvature for non-collapsed Einstein manifolds, the regularity of collapsed shrinking Ricci solitons, and lower bounds for Bergman kernels on Fano and almost Kähler–Einstein manifolds. By resolving several longstanding conjectures and open problems, including those of Cheeger–Colding, Cheeger–Naber, Tian Gang and Cheeger–Tian, the work represents a major advance in geometric analysis and expands the mathematical foundations for understanding the structure of curved spaces.
Project
Mechanisms of Extreme Deformation in Soft Materials and Design of Soft Robots
Principal Investigators
LI Tiefeng (Zhejiang University), LI Guorui (Zhejiang University), YANG Xuxu (Zhejiang University), ZHOU Fanghao (Zhejiang University), XIAO Rui (Zhejiang University)
Award
Second Prize, State Natural Science Award
Soft robots promise unprecedented adaptability, yet controlling large deformations in soft materials remains a fundamental scientific challenge. At the intersection of mechanics and intelligent robotics, the team established a systematic theoretical framework linking the constitutive behavior of soft materials to the design of soft robots. Their work solved key challenges in large-deformation actuation and bio-inspired control, culminating in the world's first successful operation of a soft robot at a depth of 10,000 meters in the Mariana Trench. Beyond deep-sea exploration, the research opens the door to robotic systems capable of operating in some of the planet’s most extreme environments.
Project
High-Purity Adsorption and Separation Engineering for Electronic Chemicals
Principal Investigators
XING Huabin (Zhejiang University), WANG Jun (Nanjing Tech University), CUI Xili (Zhejiang University), ZHOU Yu (Nanjing Tech University), YANG Lifeng (Zhejiang University)
Award
Second Prize, State Natural Science Award
Prof. XING Huabin has long been engaged in research on high-purity adsorptive separation engineering and electronic chemical materials. He has achieved a series of innovative results in the areas of novel mechanisms for gas adsorption recognition, new technologies for high-purity electronic chemicals and homolog separation, and their industrial applications. He has published more than 260 peer-reviewed academic papers, including 3 papers in Science as corresponding author. He has been elected a Fellow of the Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China (CIESC), and serves as Director of the Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing for Functional Chemicals, the Engineering Research Center of Functional Materials Intelligent Manufacturing of Zhejiang Province, and the ZJU–Huawei Joint Innovation Laboratory for Electronic Chemical Materials.
Project
Theories and Methods for Novel Electromagnetic Cloaking
Principal Investigators
CHEN Hongsheng (Zhejiang University), ZHENG Bin (Zhejiang University), YANG Yihao (Zhejiang University), QIAN Chao (ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center), LI Erping (Zhejiang University)
Award
Second Prize, State Natural Science Award
Can an object truly be hidden from electromagnetic waves? To address this longstanding challenge, the research team established new theoretical foundations for next-generation electromagnetic cloaking. Their work revealed previously unknown mechanisms governing the interaction between cloaking structures and electromagnetic waves, pioneered broadband cloaking of macroscopic objects under incoherent light, and introduced a physics-driven paradigm for adaptive cloaking. The advances not only deepen fundamental understanding of wave manipulation but also open new possibilities for applications ranging from communications and sensing to electromagnetic protection.
Project
Mechanisms of Depression and Therapeutic Targets for Antidepressant Intervention
Principal Investigators
LI Xiaoming (Zhejiang University), JIN Jin (Zhejiang University), ZHANG Yan (Zhejiang University), WANG Hao (Zhejiang University), LIAN Hong (Zhejiang University)
Award
Second Prize, State Natural Science Award
Depression affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, yet the biological mechanisms underlying the disorder remain incompletely understood. Focusing on the amygdala, the research team uncovered previously unknown neural mechanisms that contribute to depression and identified precise targets for rapid antidepressant intervention. Built on more than a decade of sustained investigation, the work provides new insights into how depressive disorders develop and points to promising strategies for more effective treatments. The findings advance the understanding of one of the world's most pressing mental health challenges and offer new directions for translational neuroscience.
Project
State-Dependent Theory of Soil Anisotropy and Its Constitutive Models
Principal Investigators
YANG Zhongxuan (Zhejiang University), LI Xiangsong (The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology), YANG Jun (The University of Hong Kong)
Award
Second Prize, State Natural Science Award
As a natural material, soil exhibits pronounced anisotropy and a strong coupling between volumetric and shear deformation, making its mechanical behavior highly complex. This project revealed the state-dependent nature of soil anisotropy and established a comprehensive theoretical framework for anisotropic critical-state soil mechanics. The researchers rigorously demonstrated the existence and uniqueness of anisotropic critical states and developed constitutive models capable of accurately predicting soil strength and deformation. By capturing soil behavior more accurately, the work offers a stronger theoretical basis for tackling complex geotechnical challenges in infrastructure development and environmental engineering.
Project
Multiphysics-Coupled, High-Spatial-Resolution Experimental System for Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Materials
Principal Investigators
ZHANG Ze (Zhejiang University), HAN Xiaodong (Beijing University of Technology), ZHANG Yuefei (Zhejiang University), MAO Shengcheng (Beijing University of Technology), WANG Lihua (Beijing University of Technology), ZHANG Jianfei (Beijing University of Technology)
Award
Second Prize, State Technological Invention Award
For nearly a century, scientists have sought to understand how the microscopic structure of materials governs their mechanical behavior. Yet most experimental techniques have provided only static snapshots, leaving the dynamic mechanisms largely hidden. The team developed an integrated experimental platform capable of measuring material structure and mechanical properties seamlessly across macroscopic, micrometer, nanometer and atomic scales. The system not only reveals how materials deform but also explains why they behave the way they do, opening a new field of atomic-resolution in situ mechanical characterization. The platform provides powerful tools for designing next-generation structural materials with unprecedented precision.
Project
Key Technologies and Applications of Ultra-High Power-Density, High-Reliability Electric Motor Systems
Principal Investigators
XIA Changliang, CHEN Wei, SHI Tingna, XIE Ximing, WANG Yi, MEI Wenqing, CAO Yanfei, ZHAI Zhen, WANG Xiaowei and ZHENG Yanwen
Major Contributing Institutions
Zhejiang University; China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology;CNNC Nuclear Power Institute of China; BYD Auto Industry Co., Ltd.; Beijing Institute of Precision Mechatronic Control Equipment; Tianjin Polytechnic University
Award
Second Prize, State Science and Technology Progress Award
Whether powering spacecraft, electric vehicles or nuclear systems, next-generation motors must deliver exceptional power density without compromising reliability. The team addressed this challenge by developing a suite of core technologies spanning multiphysics modeling and near-limit motor design, predictive control for disturbance rejection, and fault-tolerant operation through multi-sensor fusion. Together, these innovations established a new generation of ultra-high-power-density, high-efficiency motor systems capable of operating under extreme conditions. The technologies are expected to strengthen China’s high-end equipment manufacturing and accelerate the electrification of future aerospace and transportation systems.
Project
Key Technologies and Equipment for High-Performance Injection Molding of Specialty Engineering Plastics
Principal Investigators
ZHAO Peng, XIE Pengcheng, ZHANG Libin, FU Nanhong, ZHANG Chengqian, ZHENG Jianguo, HUANG Zhigao, WANG Jian, ZHOU Shaohua and JIAO Xiaolong
Major Contributing Institutions
Zhejiang University; Beijing University of Chemical Technology; Haitian Plastics Machinery; Hangzhou Aerospace Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.; Tederic Machinery Co., Ltd.; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Huizhou Daya Bay Heping Precision Injection Molding Co., Ltd.
Award
Second Prize, State Science and Technology Progress Award
Specialty engineering plastics are indispensable for aerospace, electronics and advanced manufacturing, yet their extreme processing conditions have long limited large-scale production. The team developed a comprehensive technological platform for high-performance injection molding, overcoming longstanding challenges in high-temperature and high-pressure processing, precision machine control and stable mass production under extreme operating conditions. The resulting technologies and equipment have enabled the reliable manufacture of high-performance engineering plastic components for demanding applications, while supporting major national engineering projects. The innovations have also reached global markets, with equipment exported to North America, Europe and Japan.
Project
Key Technologies and Applications for Intelligent 3D Digital Human Generation
Principal Investigators
ZHOU Kun, HU Zhipeng, JIN Xiaogang, LI Dongping, LIU Chen, LIU Xinguo, SHAO Tianjia, REN Zhong, FAN Changjie and LI Lincheng
Major Contributing Institutions
Zhejiang University; NetEase (Hangzhou) Network Co., Ltd.; Hangzhou Xiangxin Technology Co., Ltd.; Style3D Digital Technology Co., Ltd.
Award
Second Prize, State Science and Technology Progress Award
Realistic digital humans are poised to transform he next generation of virtual interaction, yet accurate modeling and real-time animation in unconstrained environments remain major technical hurdles. This project developed a comprehensive platform for intelligent 3D digital human generation, overcoming key limitations in single-image reconstruction, video-driven facial animation and real-time physical simulation. By integrating data-driven learning with physics-based modeling, the researchers established a new technical pathway for highly realistic digital humans. The technologies have already been deployed at scale across intelligent terminals, advanced manufacturing and creative industries, advancing the rapidly evolving digital economy.
Project
Innovations in Precision Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment for Major Cardiovascular Diseases
Principal Investigators
WANG Jian’an, TU Shengxian, WU Yongjian, HU Xinyang, JIANG Jun, LIU Xianbao, XU Haiyan, LIN Haosheng, ZHANG Tingchao and XU Yinchuan
Major Contributing Institutions
The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Shanghai Pulse Medical Technology; Venus Medtech (Hangzhou) Inc.; Hangzhou Valgen Medtech Co., Ltd.
Award
Second Prize, State Science and Technology Progress Award
Cardiovascular disease remains the world’s leading cause of death, demanding more precise and less invasive treatments. The research team developed a series of breakthrough interventional technologies, including China’s first transcatheter artificial heart valves and the world’s first non-invasive device for assessing coronary artery function. Combining digital twin technologies with quantitative flow ratio (QFR)-guided intervention, the researchers established new strategies for personalized cardiovascular treatment that have been validated through international multicenter clinical trials. Incorporated into global clinical guidelines and adopted by hundreds of medical centers worldwide, these innovations are reshaping the practice of cardiovascular intervention.
Project
Technological Innovations and Clinical Applications for Improving Liver Transplantation Outcomes in Liver Cancer
Principal Investigators
XU Xiao, ZHENG Shusen, YANG Jiayin, WANG Zhengxin, WEI Xuyong, LU Di, LING Sunbin, LI Jianhui, WEI Qiang and WANG Kai
Major Contributing Institutions
Zhejiang University; West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Huashan Hospital, Fudan University; Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital
Award
Second Prize, State Science and Technology Progress Award
Liver transplantation offers one of the few curative options for liver cancer, but tumor recurrence after surgery has remained a major obstacle to long-term survival. Through more than a decade of collaborative research, the team established a comprehensive clinical framework spanning preoperative patient stratification, surgical innovation and precision postoperative management. The integrated approach has significantly improved long-term survival for liver transplant recipients and led to new clinical guidelines adopted across China and beyond. Together, these advances establish a new benchmark for transplant oncology and strengthens China’s lead in this rapidly evolving field.
Project
A New Fluidized-Bed Polymerization Technology for Polyethylene Production
Principal Investigators
WANG Jingdai, WU Wenqing, YANG Yongrong, YE Xiaofeng, LI Xiaoxia, HUANG Zhengliang, HAN Guodong, SUN Jingyuan, SU Hong and DU Huanjun
Major Contributing Institutions
Sinopec Tianjin Petrochemical Co., Ltd.; Zhejiang University; Sinopec Engineering Incorporation; Shanghai Research Institute of Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.; Sinopec Beijing Yanshan Company
Award
Second Prize, State Science and Technology Progress Award
Although polyethylene is the world’s most widely produced plastic, manufacturing high-performance grades has long been constrained by the limitations of conventional polymerization technologies. This project developed an original fluidized-bed polymerization process that combines innovations in catalyst chemistry, fluidization engineering and process design to overcome longstanding barriers in controlling polymer branching and molecular architecture. The technology enables the production of a new generation of high-performance polyethylene while upgrading conventional products, providing China with its first homegrown, integrated process for advanced polyethylene manufacturing. The breakthrough strengthens the resilience of the nation’s polyolefin supply chain while opening new avenues for high-performance polymer production.
Source: the Sci-Tech Academy of ZJU, the Convergence Media Center of ZJU
Translator: FANG Fumin
Editor: DING Chenwei