The State Science and Technology Prizes (Chinese: 国家科学技术奖励) are the highest[citation needed] honors conferred by the national government of the People's Republic of China in science and technology, in order to recognize citizens and organizations who have made remarkable contributions to scientific and technological progress, and to promote the development of science and technology. The State Council enacted the Regulations on the State Science and Technology Prizes and established five State prizes in science and technology:[citation needed]
The State Natural Science Award, the State Technological Invention Award and the State Science and Technology Progress Award are classified into two grades, that is, the First Class Award (simplified Chinese: 一等奖; traditional Chinese: 一等獎) and the Second Class Award (simplified Chinese: 二等奖; traditional Chinese: 二等獎).
The Highest Science and Technology Award is awarded by the President of China, while the State Natural Science Award First Class Award is given in person by the Premier.[citation needed]