Recognition of pioneering role in Internet technologies and information access for Chinese research and educational communities.

MAASTRICHT, Netherlands, July 28 — The Internet Society today announced that its prestigious Jonathan B. Postel Service Award 2010 was awarded to leading Chinese technologist Dr. Jianping Wu for the pioneering role he has played in advancing Internet technology, deployment, and education in China and Asia Pacific over the last twenty years.

Dr. Wu’s best-known contribution is the development of the China Education and Research Network (CERNET) which he designed and developed to be the first Internet backbone network in China.  Created to establish a nation-wide advanced network infrastructure to support education and research among universities, CERNET has since become the world’s largest national academic network. Since 1998, Dr. Wu has also devoted his time to the design and development of a large-scale native IPv6 backbone in China that now serves to connect over 200 universities and millions of users.

The Postel Award was established by the Internet Society to honour individuals or organisations that, like Jon Postel, have made outstanding contributions in service to the data communications community. Commenting on its presentation to Dr. Wu, Lynn St. Amour, President and CEO of the Internet Society said:

“Jianping Wu has dedicated his career in China to developing a broadly accessible Internet that brings people together. Twenty years ago, Dr. Wu recognized the importance and future impact of the Internet and the pivotal role it would play in terms of its impact on social reform, technology advancement and economic growth for China. He has worked tirelessly to bring his vision to life. As a result, the networks that resulted from his determination and hard work have played an important role in driving Internet development in China and have had a significant impact on the Internet worldwide.”

The Internet Society presented the award, including a US$20,000 honorarium and a crystal engraved globe, during the 78th meeting of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) in Maastricht, The Netherlands 25-30 July 2010. Watch Dr Wu’s acceptance speech here.