Women in Science: 82-year-old Chinese paleontologist wins UNESCO award

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Chinese scientist Zhang Miman has been honored with a L'Oreal-UNESCO for Women in Science Award, along with four other women for their ground-breaking discoveries. Sun Tianyuan has the story.

82-year-old Zhang Miman won a 2018 Women in Science Award for her pioneering discoveries on the land evolution of aquatic vertebrates. The Chinese laureate said she was "very honored" to receive this year's award. Zhang opened her acceptance speech with a touch of humor.

The Chinese laureate also paid tribute to the efforts of her partners around the world.

ZHANG MIMAN, ACADEMICIAN INSTITUTE OF VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY & PALEOANTHROPOLOGY, CAS "I want to thank all my colleagues, past and present, in China and elsewhere, for their help over the years. And I also want to thank my family for their support over the years."

Zhang's achievements have offered China the opportunity to establish itself in the field of paleontology. She's also helped develop a dynamic research environment that has given birth to new generations of eminent scientists.

ZHANG MIMAN, ACADEMICIAN INSTITUTE OF VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY & PALEOANTHROPOLOGY, CAS "Science would flourish. When I receive it, this would encourage other young girls, too."

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Women in Science Awards program. Zhang is the fifth Chinese female scientist to have won the honor. The Chinese paleontologist was also honored with a Romer-Simpson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. Sun Tianyuan, CGTN.