Prof. Hartmut Michel, Laureate of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1988 and an honorary professor at Jilin University (JLU), and Prof. Fausto Giunchiglia, Academician of the Academy of Europea and Chair Professor at JLU, received the prestigious 2024 Chinese Government Friendship Award on Sept 30, 2024 in Beijing.

The award, formally initiated in 1991, is the highest honor bestowed by the Chinese government to commend foreign experts for their outstanding contributions to China’s modernization and international exchanges. To date, 17 foreign experts recommended by JLU have been awarded such honor.

Prof. ZHANG Ran, Vice President of JLU, attended the award ceremony and personally congratulated the two laureates. Following the ceremony, Professor Michel and his spouse, along with Professor Giunchiglia, participated as foreign expert representatives in a reception celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.  

Both professors have achieved remarkable accomplishments in their respective fields.

Professor Michel has made outstanding contributions to photosynthesis research and drug development and has collaborated extensively with JLU to cultivate high-level talent.

Professor Giunchiglia has achieved significant results in artificial intelligence and cultural heritage studies, advancing Chinese-Italian academic cooperation and leading several groundbreaking research projects.