The State science and technology awards comprise five awards that recognize scientists and their contributions in special scientific aspects:
State Pre-eminent Science and Technology Award — to honor the achievements of top scientists
- no more than two winners
- award granted by the President
- 5 million yuan ($826,000) bonus
State Natural Sciences Award — to honor major breakthroughs in fundamental research
- grand prize: 1 million yuan bonus
- first prize: 200,000 yuan bonus
- second prize: 100,000 yuan bonus
State Technology Invention Award — to honor new technical achievements
- grand prize: 1 million yuan bonus
- first prize: 200,000 yuan bonus
- second prize: 100,000 yuan bonus
State Science and Technology Progress Award — to honor technologies that brings considerable economic benefits
- grand prize: 1 million yuan bonus
- first prize: 200,000 yuan bonus
- second prize: 100,000 yuan bonus
International Science and Technology Cooperation Award — to honor foreign scientists who promoted science advancement in China
- no bonus