Here in Beijing, ten young Chinese women were today honored for their work in science. But as far as women have come in this field, the gender is still thought to be extremely under-represented. CGTN's Sun Ye spoke to one of the recipients, who says this is something she hopes to change.

Niu Shuli can tell changes in climate by studying leaves. The plants are broken into particles. She deciphers the results, and judges how serious the situation is. For now, she has good news.

NIU SHULI CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES "I believe if we as humans act now and quickly, the earth can go into a positive cycle of change."

She went into ecology for a love of nature, and says she sees no need to stop her work.

NIU SHULI CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES "My ultimate goal? It's the same with all scientists, we want to uncover the common law that governs all living things."

Niu spent months on the cold, oxygen-starved Qinghai-Tibet plateau. She has had to face failed lab results. None of which are problematic for her. She calls them "fun". But she says there is one real problem in her profession.

NIU SHULI CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES "If you look at the numbers, less than 10 percent of academicians in China are women, and women account for less than 30 percent of those involved in all science-related work. Sometimes when I go to seminars, I find that I'm the only woman in the room."

That's why she feels optimistic seeing a celebration of girl power in the field. Niu has just become one of the ten outstanding Chinese young women in science. From chemical science to bio-ecology, the winners, all under 45, come from across China. This is the fifteenth year for the fellowship award, which aims to promote female participation in the science arena. And that's part of a growing effort to recognize women's contributions to the society.

LAN ZHENZHEN VICE-PRESIDENT, L'OREAL CHINA "These young Chinese women in science are exceptional in their line of work. They also have a very high sense of social responsibility. They are active in making the world a better place in so many ways."

For Niu, she now coaches graduate students on a 1:1 gender ration. Another part of the environment that she decides to improve. SY, CGTN, BJ.