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On January 19, the "National Engineer Awards" commendation ceremony was held at the Great Hall of the People. The Industrial Wastewater Treatment Technology and Equipment Team of Nanjing University was honored as the "National Outstanding Engineer Team." This team, led by Academician Ren Hongqiang from our college, has long been engaged in the research and development of new technologies for industrial wastewater pollution control and their engineering applications. The team has achieved a series of systematic innovations in theories, technologies, and equipment for enhanced biological treatment, pioneering a new research field in China on efficiency enhancement and regulation of biological treatment for complex industrial wastewater. It has made significant contributions to the compliance discharge, efficiency enhancement, quality improvement, and reuse engineering applications of wastewater from chemical, pharmaceutical, printing and dyeing industries, as well as industrial parks. The team also serves as the inaugural chair and secretariat of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Subcommittee on Industrial Water Reuse, elevating China's international influence in the field of industrial wastewater treatment. It has been granted over 140 Chinese invention patents and more than 30 U.S. patents, with 87 patents applied and commercialized. The team has presided over or participated in the formulation of over 100 international, national, industry, and group standards. Its achievements have earned three Second Prizes of the National Technology Invention Award, one Second Prize of the National Natural Science Award, as well as the Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation Award for Scientific and Technological Innovation, the ISO Award for Outstanding Contribution to Standard Innovation, and the China Standard Innovation Contribution Award, among others.
Engineers are the driving force in advancing engineering science and technology, and an important component of the country's strategic talent pool. The decision by the Party Central Committee and the State Council to inaugurate the "National Engineer Awards" for the first time this year aims to recognize and honor exemplary figures, foster a team of outstanding engineers in the new era, strengthen the development of strategic talent, and inspire engineers to strive and contribute in the new journey of the new era. The individuals and teams honored this time are outstanding representatives of China's engineering and technical personnel and serve as role models for all engineers. In their work on major engineering projects, the manufacturing of significant equipment, breakthroughs in key core technologies, and major inventions, they have demonstrated unwavering patriotism and pioneering innovation, delivering a series of advanced engineering and technological achievements. They have continuously enhanced the country's independent innovation capabilities, vividly embodying the noble pursuits and valuable spirit of the engineering community, such as loyalty to the Party and the country, serving the people, dedication to their work, and rigorous and earnest professionalism.
