Chen Xu, an academician and native of Huzhou, recently received a lifetime achievement award from the Palaeontological Society of China, along with other seven academicians, at the 1st Asian Palaeontological Congress in Beijing.

Chen, 83 years old, was selected to become an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2003.

He has been studying palaeontology and palaeoclimatology at the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology since 1959.

Chen has published over 220 monographs and articles and has won a number of national awards, including the National Natural Science Award.

The 1st Asian Palaeontological Congress was held by the Palaeontological Society of China, which was established in 1929.

Over 300 experts and scholars from more than 20 countries attended the congress.