Min Naiben, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), has been given the 1999 physics prize by the Academy of Science for the Third World (TWAS).

Min is the first scientist from a Chinese institute of higher learning to receive the prize. He is now a professor at Nanjing University, one of most prestigious universities in the country.

Min was awarded the prize for his achievements in research into and the manufacturing of superlattice, a type of material used in micro-electronic technology and the information industry.

CAS member Fen Duan notes that Min's achievements will probably bring a material revolution in the new century. (Xinhua)