Zhang Yan, a 43-year-old professor from the College of Life Sciences at Peking University, is one of the winners this year.

As one of the world's leading scientists in her area of research, she has been investigating neurodegenerative diseases, and Alzheimer's disease in particular for over a decade, in an attempt to unravel their pathogenic mechanisms.

"Women in China inevitably have to contribute greatly to their families. So, this award is a form of encouragement for female scientists. And it also acts as an example to young female students that women can excel in scientific research like men, while also successfully raising a family," Zhang says.

Like many female Chinese scholars, she observes that while female students, whether they are undergraduates or graduates, are extremely exceptional, academic circles in China are still largely dominated by men.