Chinese leaders Hu Jintao (C), Xi Jinping (5th R), Wen Jiabao (5th L), Li Keqiang (4th R) and Liu Yunshan (4th L) attend the awarding ceremony of the State Scientific and Technological Award in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 18, 2013. [Photo: Xinhua/Liu Jiansheng]

China's top science awards have gone to Explosions expert Zheng Zhemin and radar engineer Wang Xiaom this year.

They were honoured for their contributions to scientific and technological innovation at an awarding ceremony earlier this morning in Beijing - in the presence of Chinese leaders Hu Jintao, Xi Jinping, Wen Jiabao, Li Keqiang and Liu Yunshan.

88-year-old Zheng Zhemin is a member of both the Chinese Academies of Sciences as well as Engineering - devoting himself to research including elastic mechanics, explosion processing and underground nuclear explosions.

"I just think of myself as an ordinary scientific researcher. I want to thank the government and my fellow researchers for their support. However, I also feel a little anxious for receiving this award, because the award also equates responsibility."

74-year-old Wang Xiaomo meanwhile has been engaged in the research and design of radar for the past 30 years.

Also a meber of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, he's widely regarded as the "father" of airborne warning and control systems in China.

"I've been motivated by my interest in this field and also a sense of responsibility. Your country and people has given you this important task, so I think you shouldn't disappoint them."

China has given the annual award to elite scientists and researchers for 13 consecutive years since 2000.

Apart from the top science award, more than 300 other scientific projects and 5 foreign scientists have also been recognized for their contribution over the past year.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (C) awards certificates to explosions expert Zheng Zhemin (R) and radar engineer Wang Xiaomo in the awarding ceremony of the State Scientific and Technological Award in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 18, 2013. Zheng and Wang won China's top science award on Friday. [Photo: Xinhua/Ju Peng]