China honors top scientists

The nation's brightest minds have been given top honors at China's National Science and Technology Conference. Chinese President Hu Jintao handed out the award certificates two hours ago at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

84-year-old mathematician Gu Chaohao and 81-year-old space expert Sun Jiadong walked away with the most prestigious science and technology prize. They also received a cash prize of 5 million yuan, or 730-thousand US dollars each.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R), presents a certificate to space scientist  Sun Jiadong, who won China's 2009 State Top Scientific and Technological  Award, during a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing,  capital of China, on Jan. 11, 2010. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)