A senior official urged directors of local government's science and technology departments on Wednesday to provide a better social environment for scientists.

State Councilor Chen Zhili made the remark in a meeting held in Beijing and joined by directors of local science and technology departments.

The national program for medium-to-long-term scientific and technological development in 2006-2020 that has been implemented in China embodies a new era of Chinese science development with a characteristic of independent innovation, Chen said.

She told the directors of local science and technology departments to create a more suitable environment for scientists to realize major breakthroughs in solving scientific and economic problems affecting the national economy.

Local governments should also guide more innovative resources to be attracted by enterprises which could integrate technological innovation with productions, the State Councilor said.

China awarded its State Scientific and Technological Award for 2007 to two top scientists for their outstanding achievements, 5 million yuan (about 685,000 U.S. dollars) each, at an annual national science-technology award ceremony held in Beijing on Tuesday presented by Chinese President Hu Jintao, with other senior leaders.

On Tuesday, the country also awarded outstanding research and development projects. Prizes were granted to the projects involving physical science, technology innovation and application of scientific findings and technological development.

Premier Wen Jiabao said in a keynote speech that China had reached a stage in its history where it was more dependent on scientific and technological innovation, and it should strive to enhance its innovative capabilities, which was a national strategic priority.

(Source: Xinhua)