Chapter 780: We Are Changing the World, That Is the Meaning

Not far away, acquaintances like Chu Jiangfeng, Ren Nan, and Li Gang showed expressions of deep emotion on their faces.

This current leadership team had a lot of courage.

Frankly speaking, based solely on Xu Qingzhou's many current achievements, winning the highest award was sufficient, but in the Xia Nation, this was more complicated. In addition to the original technology, one also had to have seniority; the phenomenon of ranking by seniority had always existed.

It was slightly different from awards like the Nobel Prize that had universalism; the National Highest Science and Technology Award focused on contributions to the nation. As a product of the nationalist scientific research paradigm, among the older generation of scientists, there were quite a few scholars who had dedicated their entire lives to the nation.

The selection for the Highest Science and Technology Award had always been relatively cautious, always emphasizing that science and technology should serve national development and that achievements should match national needs.

Better to have nothing than to have something substandard.

For example, the award was left vacant in 2015.

In the first row, an old academician applauded gently, his eyes full of gratification.

Regarding this young man's winning of the award, he only had four words in his heart—it was only natural.

The happiest thing was watching the nation become increasingly powerful.

When the youth are strong, the nation is strong.

For someone of his age, having one more award or not didn't matter; leaving this opportunity to Xu Qingzhou was a win.

When he first heard that someone had nominated him for the Highest Science and Technology Award, he immediately wrote a letter to the higher-ups, stating that this award should be given to a more capable young person.

Unlike other awards, the National Highest Science and Technology Award was presented personally by the elder.

Xu Qingzhou stood offstage, gently straightening his tie.

He had originally thought he would be very calm, but when he heard his name and stood at the side of the podium, his heartbeat still accelerated involuntarily.

After the host finished reading all the award citations, Xu Qingzhou took a deep breath, his gait steady, walking step by step toward the podium.

"Right, this is just about three taels, not much."

The elder's smile was kind, making one feel like they were bathed in a spring breeze, as he solemnly handed the certificate and medal to Xu Qingzhou.

"Thank you for the nation's recognition. I have only done what I should have done at my post. I think this honor does not belong to me personally, but to all the scientific and technological workers struggling on the front line of independent innovation."

Xu Qingzhou answered modestly.

"Professor Xu, I am very much looking forward to seeing the day you open the door to 'Ultimate Energy'."

"I believe that day is not far off."

"That will surely be even more wonderful. Congratulations once again, Professor Xu."

At this moment, intense applause erupted from the audience, like ocean waves, continuous and unending.

Compared to just a moment ago, Xu Qingzhou's heart was actually calm.

The National Highest Science and Technology Award was different from the Wolf Prize or Fields Medal in the field of mathematics, and it was also different from the world-renowned Nobel Prize.

This heavy certificate of honor was the nation's recognition of an individual's contribution.

Rather than excitement, what he felt in his heart was a heavy sense of responsibility and mission.

"Fortunately, looking back on these few years, I haven't wasted time."

"The future will be even more brilliant."

Offstage, Song Yao applauded along with the scholars. On her beautiful face, which had been unperturbed, a faint smile also appeared, feeling proud of this guy Xu Qingzhou's achievements.

The young man's expression was indifferent, his demeanor composed, showing not the slightest bit of timidity in front of the cameras, shaking hands and conversing with the elder with ease.

"In private, he's actually just a pervert."

Song Yao said in her heart.

After the National Highest Science and Technology Award was presented, the entire award conference also drew to a close.

Finally, the 70-minute award ceremony ended. ===== CHAPTER 781 =====