Speech on patriotism, self-sacrifice and diligence seen as inspirational

China's scientific community should learn from President Xi Jinping's speech on the nation's pandemic battle and triumph, and carry into the future the torch of patriotism, self-sacrifice and diligence embodied by role models from the fight against COVID-19, the nation's top engineering academy said on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, Xi presented the Medal of the Republic to noted respiratory disease expert Zhong Nanshan, as well as granting the national honorary title "People's Hero" to Zhang Boli, a traditional Chinese medicine expert; Zhang Dingyu, head of Jinyintan Hospital in Wuhan, Hubei province; and Chen Wei, a military biomedical expert.

These COVID role models received the awards for their outstanding contribution in novel coronavirus-related basic research, vaccine development and treatment. Zhong, Chen and Zhang Boli are also academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

Li Xiaohong, the academy's president, said Xi's speech has highlighted the solidarity, tenacity, altruism and profound respect for science and human lives showcased in the nation's battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

"His words were solemn, heartfelt, encouraging and moved us to tears," Li said at a homecoming ceremony for the COVID role models to the academy in Beijing. "These role models are the shining embodiment of the top qualities our nation demands of us."

Li said the scientific community should learn from these role models, be loyal to the cause of the Party and the people, dedicate themselves to the endless pursuit of science and truth and wholeheartedly contribute to the nation's rejuvenation without seeking fame or self-interest.

Zhong said in the ceremony that the awards represent the full acknowledgment of the medical and healthcare personnel working at the front line by the Party and the nation.

Zhong said there is still much for him to learn, given how new technologies like big data, artificial intelligence and cloud platforms have revolutionized medicine. After hearing Xi's speech, Zhong said he is motivated to take on new subjects, and he hopes other scientists will follow his lead.

Zhang Boli said the honorary title feels "too heavy for one person to bear", adding that the honor belongs to all 42,000 medical personnel who rushed to Wuhan's aid.

"President Xi's speech underlined the truthful meaning of making people's health and lives the paramount priority," Zhang said.