Hong Kong-based Ho Leung Ho Lee (HLHL) Foundation on November 3 granted science and technology awards to 52 Chinese scientists.

Of the winners, respiratory disease expert Zhong Nanshan and archaeologist Fan Jinshi were both awarded an achievement prize by the foundation.

In a ceremony held in Beijing, the foundation also awarded 50 other scientists with advancement and innovation prizes.

Fan said she has dedicated her life to a single cause: researching and preserving the cultural heritage in the Mogao Caves near Dunhuang, southwest China's Gansu Province.

With new technologies and strong government support, as well as decades of hard work by archaeologists, the Mogao Caves went from a desolate heritage site on the brink of being lost to history to a magnificent landmark recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, she said.

"I am proud to devote my entire life to protecting this cultural heritage," Fan said. "I am over 80 years old, but I am still motivated to continue my research to serve the country and its people."

Set up in 1994 by Hong Kong patriotic financiers Ho Sin Hang, Leung Kau-Kui, Ho Tim, and Lee Quo-Wei to recognize Chinese scientists, the HLHL foundation has awarded 1,414 people so far.

(Source: CNSPHOTO/Translated and edited by Women of China)