Professor Yau Shing Tung, Distinguished Professor-at-Large and Director of the Institute of Mathematical Sciences of The Chinese University of Hong Kong will receive the 2003 International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Award for his important contributions towards the development of science and technology in China.

　　Professor Yau is a world-renowned mathematician and the only Chinese Fields Medallist. Besides his remarkable achievements in mathematical sciences, Professor Yau has been devoting much of his time and energy in promoting mathematical and scientific education in China and Hong Kong in particular. Professor Yau has served as the Director of the Institute of Mathematical Sciences of The Chinese University of Hong Kong and is very active in fostering interdisciplinary research, with emphasis in physics, biotechnology and business and industry. The Institute is also active in nurturing young mathematicians. Professor Yau together with the Department of Mathematics of the Chinese University organize annually the Enrichment Programme for Mathematics Talents, which provides secondary students opportunities to learn mathematics under the guidance of great masters. Recently, Professor Yau has concentrated on training young mathematicians in China. He found the Institute of Mathematics at Peking University, which encourages talented people to involve in mathematics research in China. Professor Yau was among the first few foreign academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

　　The International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Award is one of the five prestigious State Science and Technology Awards organised by the State Council, which is conferred to selected few scientists who have made important contributions toward the development of science and technology in China in fields such as science, technology, engineering, agriculture and medicine. Great scientists who have received this award include Professor Chern Shiing-shen and Professor Yang Chun-ning. The other four awards are State Technological Invention Award, State Natural Science Award, State Scientific and Technological Progress Award and State Pre-eminent Science and Technology Award.

　　The award presentation ceremony will take place on 24 March in Beijing. Professor Yau will deliver a speech on "Mathematics and its role in Science and Technology".

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