Seven popular science books Monday scored the second prize of the national award on science and technology advancement, marking a breakthrough for popular science books in national-level awards.

Among the awarded, a set of approximately 100 books written and complied by Chinese academicians drew wide-ranging attention. The books, different from others in expression and writing style, covered almost all subjects in academic research sphere and were described as "innovative and authoritative" in popularizing science and technology.

An official with the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology said that innovation and popularization both are crucial to the advancement of science and technology. However, China has long seen a lack of encouragement for popular science writing and research, leading to relatively slow progress in the field.

Pinpointing these phenomena, the official said, relevant administrations in China have issued specific regulations on popular science, and have included popular science into national awards.

Wei Menghua, a well-known Chinese popular science writer, said the historic move to award popular science books will not only inspire popular science workers, but enhance the awareness and respect for popular science among the general public.

(Xinhua News Agency January 10, 2006)