AkzoNobel has reinforced its commitment to encouraging sustainable growth through technical innovation by launching its acclaimed Science Award in China.

Established in partnership with the Chinese Chemical Society, the honour – known as the AkzoNobel Chemical Sciences Award – will be granted to three distinguished scientists every two years.

“This award not only represents an important part of our heritage, but also indicates that we share the same goal of encouraging pioneering scientific research in China with our partner, the Chinese Chemical Society,” explained AkzoNobel board member Leif Darner when he officially launched the award in Shanghai last month.

Nominations for the first award will take place in the early part of this year. The laureates will each receive a prize of RMB100,000 (£9000).