Zhong Nanshan, a prominent Chinese respiratory disease expert and an alumnus of University of Edinburg in Britain, won the first Being Edinburgh Award recently.

"Dr. Zhong is known for his pivotal role in the 2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronavirus," a statement on the university's website said. "His efforts have been recognized by students, staff and fellow alumni, who voted in the university's relaunched alumni award program."

Zhong is one of the leading specialists tackling the COVID-19 epidemic in China. His ongoing work resonated with the university community, particularly alumni living and working in China and students whose families and friends were caught up in the early stages of the pandemic, the statement said.

Zhong was a visiting student at the university between 1979 and 1981 and was awarded an honorary doctorate of medicine in 2007.

In an email to the university, Zhong said it was an honor to receive the first Being Edinburgh Award and thanked those who voted for him.

The award is given to recognized individuals whose actions and achievements inspire the university community.