News Release

NTU professor receives Friendship Award from China

Grant and Award Announcement

Nanyang Technological University

Professor Francois Raymond Mathey, a Nanyang Professor at Nanyang Technological University (NTU)'s School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, has been awarded the People's Republic of China (PRC)'s highest award for foreign experts – the Friendship Award. This is China's most prestigious award for foreign experts who have made outstanding contributions to China's economic and social progress.

Professor Mathey is a world-renowned chemist, famous for his study in organic phosphorus chemistry and transition metal chemistry. His project in China, which began in 2005, involved setting up the International Phosphorus Laboratory (IPL) in Zhengzhou University (ZZU) in Henan province. He also managed to seal an international collaboration with France's National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and Rennes University, for the IPL to work on new phosphorus compounds for future developments in plastic electronics such as flat screens and cellphones. This synergy will help IPL to move into a leading position internationally in this rapid evolving research field.

In recognition of Professor Mathey's significant contribution in promoting scientific research and nurturing talents at ZZU, the municipality of Zhengzhou and the Henan province recommended Professor Mathey for the 2009 Friendship Award.

"This award is a great surprise and a great honour for me. It was a fabulous experience working in China and setting up the Internal Phosphorus Laboratory. Now that I am with NTU, I hope to contribute to the university by creating more international cooperation for scientific research and nurturing more talents in the chemistry fields," says Professor Mathey.

NTU has long established partnerships with China's political, education and business sectors. Since 1992, NTU has conducted masters and short-term programmes for more than 8000 mid- and high-level Chinese officials. Together with Harvard University, NTU is listed as one of the two most important overseas partners for training of senior Chinese officers. These Mandarin-language programmes have enabled NTU to play a major role in the development of China and in bridging Singapore with China. The Friendship Award presented to Professor Mathey is another boost in NTU's effort for strengthening the Sino-Singapore relation.

Professor Mathey will receive his award at the 2009 Friendship Award Ceremony at Beijing's Great Hall of the People on 29 September 2009.

###

First established in the 1950s and restored in 1991, the Friendship Award is a state-level award set up by the Chinese Government to thank and commend outstanding foreign experts for their contributions to China's economic construction and social development.


Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.