Ben De, a pioneering radar expert, receives China's top sci-tech award in Beijing. [Photo/en.nuaa.edu.cn]
Ben De, a highly venerated scholar from the Chinese Academy of Engineering and former dean of the College of Electronic and Information Engineering at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, has been awarded the 2025 State Preeminent Science and Technology Award, China's highest honor for scientific achievement.
The award was announced on July 8 at the National Science and Technology Awards Conference held in Beijing.
A leading scientist in China's radar research, Ben is widely regarded as a pioneer of the country's airborne pulse-Doppler radar technology.
Ben De talks with students. [Photo/en.nuaa.edu.cn]
From 2004 to 2024, Ben served at NUAA, where he made lasting contributions to the university's academic development, the cultivation of defense science and technology talent, and the establishment of national-level research platforms.
During his tenure, he helped strengthen the university's reputation as a leader in aerospace and electronic information research.
In October 2025, at the college's 65th anniversary celebration, the veteran scientist symbolically passed the baton of the college to Sun Zezhou, one of his former doctoral students.
On the same day, Sun, now a chief designer in China's aerospace sector, received the State Scientific and Technological Progress Award, reflecting the enduring impact of Ben's mentorship and his legacy of nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders.
