The Chinese Government’s Friendship Award is the highest honour bestowed by the People's Republic of China on foreign experts who have made exceptional contributions to the country’s economic and social development.
The awards ceremony took place on September 30th, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, under the auspices of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs). The event was attended by other ministers and vice-ministers of the Chinese government. This celebration coincided with China’s National Day.
This year, China recognized 50 foreign experts from 27 countries with the Friendship Award in acknowledgment of their outstanding contributions across various sectors — including politics, industry, science, and technology. Among the awardees, only four were academicians connected to science and technology.
Among the recipients, we proudly highlight Professor Rodrigo Martins, President of the European Academy of Sciences, i3N Coordinator, NOVA FCT full Professor and coordinator of the association NANOMAT, who was selected to represent exceptional achievements so far achieved in the fields of science and technology. He was joined by three other distinguished global academicians, including Professor Donald Dingwell, current President of the Academy EUROPAEA, member of SAPEA (Science Advice for Policy by European Academies) and Professor Rui Martins, Vice-Rector of the University of Macau.
Additionally, Professor Rodrigo Martins was invited to deliver a speech on behalf of the Science and Technology sector, addressing collaboration, innovation, and the role of science in fostering mutual understanding and sustainable progress.
Two other notable awardees also addressed the audience: Professor Vladimir Norova, representing the social sciences and humanities network, and Dr. Markel Hubinette, CEO of ConocoPhillips, a leading energy and petroleum strategy company.
The event concluded with a banquet hosted by President H.E. Xi Jinping, attended by members of the diplomatic corps, the Prime Minister of China, and other high-level Chinese dignitaries (3000 attendees).
To have more information, click on the links below:
2025 Chinese Government Friendship Award
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