The N Universe Science Fiction Awards, established by the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), announced its winners on Oct. 19 in Chengdu, Sichuan province, promoting China's atomic energy vision to domestic and international audiences.

Pan Jianming, board secretary and spokesperson for the China National Nuclear Corporation, speaks at the N Universe Conference and Science Fiction Awards ceremony in Chengdu, Sichuan province, Oct. 19, 2024. [Photo courtesy of N Universe Conference Organizing Committee]

CNNC Board Secretary and spokesperson Pan Jianming emphasized that nuclear science development relies on the support of popular science. Similarly, the growth of popular science needs input from nuclear science experts. He said that strong and efficient coordination between these two creates powerful results.

"The N Universe is an important popular science brand created by CNNC," Pan said. "Only with continuous technological innovation can science fiction truly shine, and promoting innovation helps turn these ideas into reality. This is why CNNC is hosting these nuclear science fiction awards."

The awards ceremony featured four major award categories: best sci-fi novel, best sci-fi novella, best sci-fi short story, and top 10 imaginative works. The novel category awarded one first prize, one second prize, and three third prizes. Both novella and short story categories named one grand award winner, one first prize winner, two second prize winners, and three third prize winners. Ten works were recognized in the imaginative category.

Author Wang Jianhua secured first prize in the novel category for "The Observer Plan: Children of Eternity." Wang praised the N Universe platform for supporting science fiction writers, calling the award a milestone in his career.

Best science fiction novel winners pose with award presenters at the N Universe Science Fiction Awards ceremony in Chengdu, Sichuan province, Oct. 19, 2024. [Photo courtesy of N Universe Conference Organizing Committee]

Wu Hong, who won the grand award in the best sci-fi short story category for "As Wished," noted in her acceptance speech that China's nuclear industry development provides a solid foundation for imagination.

"In my heart, nuclear energy is mysterious and possesses infinite power. Nuclear technology can change China, the world, humanity, the future and the universe," she said. "I firmly believe that the universal truth we seek — and humanity's ultimate truth — might be found in the vast sea of stars, but it could also be discovered within the tiny atom."

The event coincided with the inaugural Tianwen Chinese Science Fiction Literature Contest award ceremony last weekend. Both events are part of this year's Tianwen Program activities, which launched last year during the 81st World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) in Chengdu. More than 400 science fiction writers, industry insiders, collaborators and enthusiasts attended the N Universe activities.

Since its debut in 2019, the N Universe Science Fiction Awards, now in its fourth edition, has attracted nearly 1,000 writers. It has become a prominent brand that educates the public to learn more about China's nuclear industry and nuclear science. The fifth edition of the awards was launched during the Chengdu event.

"Western nuclear science fiction has developed for over 60 years, and in China, I see a brand-new direction for development," said Ben Yalow, co-chair of the 2023 Chengdu Worldcon and vice chairman of the Tianwen contest jury. He expressed deep appreciation for Chinese nuclear science fiction stories and noted how Chinese writers address the shared future of mankind and reflect on future energy sources in their works.

At the N Universe Conference, the Beijing Institute of Technology Press launched a new book featuring award-winning works from the first three editions of the N Universe Science Fiction Awards. CNNC also signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the publisher.

Fan Hongliang, editor-in-chief of the Beijing Institute of Technology Press, said that through science fiction, CNNC has demonstrated the broad prospects of nuclear science and technology, stimulating public interest in scientific exploration. He added that it has provided valuable inspiration for science fiction creators, fostering positive interaction between fictional works and real-world technology.

Science fiction writers, experts and scientists participate in panel discussions at the N Universe Conference in Chengdu, Sichuan province, Oct. 19, 2024. [Photo courtesy of N Universe Conference Organizing Committee]

The conference showcased not only authors but also prominent CNNC scientists and engineers, including Liu Weiping, Zhang Donghui, Huang Yanping and Zhong Wulu. They delivered keynote speeches and participated in themed panel sessions, offering attendees a deeper understanding of nuclear science and technology.

Huang revealed that China has made significant breakthroughs in developing fourth-generation reactors, adding that establishing nuclear reactors on other planets could become a reality. He said the diverse applications of atomic energy await exploration by both technology professionals and science fiction writers.

Hou Zhiming, executive vice chairman of the Sichuan Writers Association, said the N Universe brand bridges science fiction and reality, reflecting China's cultural confidence in nuclear technology while attracting writers and enthusiasts worldwide.

"This will inspire more people to engage in science fiction writing, collectively promoting the development of science fiction literature and exploring humanity's unlimited possibilities," Hou said.

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