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Regenerating damaged tissue with biomaterials was once seen by scientists the world over to be in the realm of fantasy.
But a major breakthrough in 1990 saw it become reality when Chinese scientist Zhang Xingdong published his findings called "Tissue Inducing Biomaterials". This led to innovative therapies for the musculoskeletal system, which enables humans to move, and also spurred the development of new biomedical materials.
After the breakthrough, Zhang achieved worldwide recognition and received numerous honors, the latest coming from the US National Academy of Engineering.
Earlier this month, the academy announced its newly elected 67 members and 11 foreign associates, with Zhang being the sole Chinese foreign associate named.
The members of the academy, founded in 1964, are elected by their peers in recognition of contributions to engineering research, practice or education; for pioneering new technologies or making major advances in traditional fields of engineering.
Membership in the academy is considered to be among the highest of honors in the field.
"I accept the honor as recognition of China's development in biomaterial research, as well as recognition of our improving level of scientific research," Zhang said.
"In 1983, when I attended the World Biomaterials Congress for the first time, the Chinese delegation had three people," he said.
By 2017, this had completely changed. The congress that year was held in China, and more than 3,600 delegates attended, including 1,900 foreign delegates.
"This signaled that China has become an important player in world biomaterials science and engineering, and I would not have received the honor from the US National Academy of Engineering without world recognition of China's overall research level," he said.
About the broadcaster:
Anne Ruisi is an editor at China Daily online with more than 30 years of experience as a newspaper editor and reporter. She has worked at newspapers in the U.S., including The Birmingham News in Alabama and City Newspaper of Rochester, N.Y.