Scientific development matters more to China today than throughout its history as the country continues to lift itself out of poverty and backwardness.

In past decades, scientists have contributed greatly to the country while also passing on their knowledge to younger generations. They believe passing on a scientific spirit can lead more young people onto the same path.

Shanghai Daily speaks with three top scientists based at universities in Shanghai. Each of them had been nominated for a 2013 Year of Educators Award in Shanghai due to their outstanding scientific and teaching accomplishments.

All in their 50s, the three are well-known in their fields of study.

Zhong Yang, professor at Fudan University, has collected more than 40 million seeds from nearly 1,000 species of plants for China’s national seed bank. Most of the seeds have been collected from plants growing in Tibet.

Zhong spends about half of his time in Tibet every year. He helped establish the first biology doctorate program at Tibet University, where he is also a professor. “After staying some years in Tibet, I have realized that Tibet needs an educator more than a biologist,” Zhong said.

Zhou Huaiyang, professor of Tongji University, was the first scientist to go on China’s manned submersible Jiaolong.

Zhou plans to introduce a course in marine geology and chemistry within two years.

“The best professors are those who fight on the frontiers of their own studies. What they have said and done will have great influence on students, who are our future,” Zhou said.

Chen Nanliang, professor at Donghua University, invented a warp knitting technology used to make fiberglass carriers for the solar panels of China’s space lab Tiangong.

“I like to be around students,” Chen said. “Teaching and research have become part of my life and they can not be separated.”