Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, has launched a science award to encourage technology innovation in the province.

The "Science Contribution Award" is awarded to scientists twice a year for their outstanding achievements in science and technology. Each award is worth 10,000 yuan (12,048 US dollars). This year's winners are Liu Jiren, vice president of Northeast University, Yang Zhenyu, a hybrid rice expert and four other scientists. These scientists were awarded for their innovation in software or in fine seed breeding.

The launching of the award is aimed at pushing Shenyang to become a science and technology leader in the province. To encourage scientists to transfer their innovations into commodities and set up high-tech enterprises, the province earlier adopted a series of preferential policies, including reduced personal income tax, credit assurances and venture capital funding. (Xinhua)