On March 3, 2025, the selection results of the 4th “Qingshan Science and Technology Prize” were officially announced today, recognizing 10 young scientists in green and low-carbon fields. Among the recipients is Professor Wang Zhao, senior researcher at the Frontier Elastomer Research Institute and professor at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology.
Established to support China's dual-carbon goals and promote green transformation in industries, the Qingshan Science and Technology Fund and Prize encourage researchers to engage in scientific innovation and interdisciplinary studies in related fields.
The award focuses on key areas including green and low-carbon materials, carbon capture and utilization, new energy and energy storage, as well as synergistic carbon reduction and pollution control. It supports young researchers under 45 years old who are making significant contributions in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental science, and energy science.

Professor Wang's research specializes in molecular structuredesign, engineering, and application development of bio-based degradablecopolyester rubber, along with developing environmentally friendly rubberadditives. Breaking through traditional rubber polymerization processes, hesuccessfully synthesized China's first fully independent bio-based degradablepolyester rubber using innovative polycondensation and bulk polymerizationmethods. His team produced the world's first industrial-grade bio-baseddegradable polyester rubber, along with pioneering concept products includingdegradable tires and shoes, making outstanding contributions to sustainabledevelopment in the rubber industry while significantly enhancing China's globalinfluence in this field.
Professor Wang has published over 60 SCI papers in high-level journals such as Progress in Polymer Science andAdvanced Materials, with citations exceeding 2,800. As lead inventor, he hasfiled 35 patent applications, including 10 international patents, with 19patents already granted.