In this ranking, Tu Youyou not only takes the top spot for her groundbreaking malaria treatment, but also represents a unique trajectory compared to her peers; while many other top female scientists excel in fields like materials science and chemical engineering, Tu’s success highlights the massive value of cross-disciplinary innovation between traditional medicine and modern pharmacology. Interestingly, data indicates that the presence of female laureates in National Science and Technology Awards has been growing at an annual rate of approximately 8%-12%, effectively closing the long-standing gender gap at the pinnacle of scientific research in China. This list is more than a record of accolades; it is a testament to the shifting landscape of China's scientific ecosystem.