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Scientists deserve public recognition

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-01-14 07:52

Two scientists have been honored top national awards for science and technology. But just bestowing awards on scientists is not enough. They deserve more respect and care, says an article in Qianjiang Evening News. Excerpts:

Researchers in science are relatively less known compared with scholars of popular culture. Usually, the public sees them as a figure working in laboratories and on desks behind piles of papers. Even Gu Chaohao and Sun Jiadong, who recently won the nation's top awards for science and technology, are no exceptions. The public hardly knew their names before they were announced winners of the top awards. They are but just two of the numerous heroes working in to make our future brighter.

In some sense this is normal. The public tends to pay more attention to people with the knowledge of the arts and other popular subjects, because they are easier for them to understand. That's why many historians are often seen on TV and at other popular forums.

But that should not be an excuse for us to neglect the contributions of scientists. According to regulations, only persons who have achieved breakthroughs in research or enhanced social efficiency in applying them could win the top national awards. As essential propellers of our rapidly progressing society, they deserve the highest honor and praise from the nation and its people.

A sad fact is that honor and glory often come too late in their lives. The contributions of some are recognized only after their death. Hence, let's give these heroes what they so aptly deserve before it is too late. And society should do more to show them more respect and love.

(China Daily 01/14/2010 page9)