A ceremony for China's most prestigious awards in science and technology has been held in Beijing. College of Engineering alumnus Yu Min, a nuclear physicist and academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences, received the State Supreme Science and Technology Award, the top prize,  from Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Yu is a prominent theoretical physicist, who solved a series of fundamental problems linked to the development of nuclear weapons. His breakthrough discoveries led to the development of China's first hydrogen bomb in 1967. He was also the recipient of the "Two Bombs, One Satellite" Achievement Medal, another top science award given by the Chinese government to those who have made great contributions to China's first satellite project.

In 1944, Yu was enrolled in the Electromechanical Department of the College of Engineering at Peking University. Two years later, he transferred to the Physics Department due to his enthusiasm in theoretical studies. He currently serves as the Honorable Chairman of the Alumni Association of the College of Engineering.

The State Science and Technology Awards compose of four more awards that recognize individual and organizations for their contribution in specific aspects: State Natural Science Award, State Technological Invention Award, National Science and Technology Progress Award, and International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Award of the PRC.

So far, 25 Chinese scientists have won the State Supreme Science and Technology award, including "The Father of Hybrid Rice" Yuan Longping and urban planner Wu Liangyong.