BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong-based Ho Leung Ho Lee (HLHL) Foundation on Tuesday granted science and technology awards to 52 Chinese scientists.

Of the winners, respiratory disease expert Zhong Nanshan and archaeologist Fan Jinshi were both awarded an achievement prize by the foundation.

In a ceremony held on Tuesday in Beijing, the foundation also awarded 50 other scientists with advancement and innovation prizes.

Addressing the ceremony, Chinese Vice Premier Liu He said China would uphold the central role of innovation in its modernization drive and take self-reliance in science and technology as a strategic underpinning for national development.

More efforts should go into cultivating world-class sci-tech talent and innovation teams, said Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Liu also called on Chinese scientists to integrate their pursuit of professional progress into the great cause of building a modern, socialist China.

Set up in 1994 by Hong Kong patriotic financiers Ho Sin Hang, Leung Kau-Kui, Ho Tim, and Lee Quo-Wei to recognize Chinese scientists, the HLHL foundation has awarded 1,414 people so far. Enditem