Dr. Su-May Yu, a Distinguished Research Fellow in the Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, has just won the 2009 TECO Award in the field of chemical engineering/biology/medical engineering. Dr. Yu is awarded for her enormous contributions to the development of agriculture biotechnologies in Taiwan and accomplishments in enhancing international stature of Taiwan, which include outstanding academic accomplishments in deciphering the regulatory mechanisms on rice growth, contributions in developing breakthrough biotechnologies for rice improvement, and establishing a precious genetic resource for international rice functional genomics research.

The TECO Award was established by the TECO Technology Foundation in 1993, aiming at “fostering distinguished scientists, heightening visionary thoughts, and promoting social progress”. The TECO Award honors two categories: technology and humanity, and the technology category covers three fields: electric engineering/informatics/communication, mechanical engineering/material/energy, and chemical engineering/biology/medical engineering. Only one recipient is awarded in each category each year. Dr. Yu is the first female scientists winning this award in the technology category since 1993, reflecting the preciousness and competitiveness of this award.