China honors women scientists

Top honors were conferred on talented female scientists on Monday. The 2007 "Young Women in Science Fellowship Awards" aim to encourage more women to engage in scientific research. However, more is needed to ensure they have an equal chance for success.

Five women from various fields in scientific research were honored. Among the winners is 35 year old Zhang Jiyan, an immunology researcher.

Zhang Jiyan said, "I am very happy, but I feel much more pressure and responsibility. I will work even harder. But it's not easy for women. I am only a 60 percent good mother."

Vice Chairwoman of China's Association of Science and Technology Wei Yu says family responsibility is a common difficulty facing women scientists.

Wei Yu, vice chairwoman of China Association of Sci. & Tech, said, "Women have more difficulties when working as a scientist. The fact in China now is that the number of women willing to work in science is not increasing positively. We need better policies. For example, we could provide funds for women to restart their program after giving birth."

Wei says the awards are very useful in encouraging more women to devote themselves to scientific research.

The other winners this year include a bio-electronics professor, a botanic-molecular-biology professor, a pathogeny researcher and a life sciences professor.

Women now account for more than one-third of China's scientists. They have proved themselves to be a strong force in advancing all fields of scientific knowledge and contributing to social progress.