A research project on using DNA barcoding for species identification of medicinal plants, mainly conducted by the University of Macau (UM) and Peking Union Medical College, received a second prize of the State Scientific and Technological Progress Award.

One of the outcomes of the research project is the creation of the world’s largest database for using DNA barcoding to identify the species of medicinal plants. Containing more than 1.7 million DNA sequences, the database can help to speed up the process of identifying medicinal plant species included in the pharmacopoeias around the world, including mainland China, the United States, Japan, the European Union, South Korea, and India.

The award ceremony was held by the State Council in Beijing. State leaders, including Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang, attended the ceremony to present certificates to award recipients.

UM participants in the project include Chair Professor Wang Yitao from UM’s Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine; Chen Shilin, a visiting chair professor; Li Xiwen, a postdoctoral associate research fellow; and Jiang Yun, a PhD student.