Academicians Shu Chien, I Chiu Liao and Paul Jen-kuei Li of Academia Sinica have been awarded the 2009 Presidential Science Prize, which was conferred to these three distinguished scholars on December 18, 2009 by President Ma Ying-jeou.

The Presidential Science Prize is awarded to scholars in the division of life sciences, mathematics and physical sciences, social sciences and applied sciences for their outstanding and innovative contributions to research in these areas.

Academician Shu Chien of the division of life sciences whose research work focuses on hemorheology and bioengineering, has conducted seminal work on how mechanical forces signal gene expression in cells.  His pioneering efforts have allowed scientists to attain a new understanding about the onset of atherosclerosis and hypertension.

Academician I Chiu Liao of the division of applied sciences has conducted path-breaking research work on the larval rearing of grass prawn, which has laid important technological foundations for the development of the aquaculture industry, transforming Taiwan into one of the leading producers of prawn worldwide.

Academician Paul Jen-kuei Li of the division of social sciences is a prominent researcher in the Austronesian languages of Formosa.  Academician Li was the first scholar to map the migratory paths of the Austronesian tribes in Taiwan.