Wang Yiran, a postdoctoral fellow at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, received the perfect graduation gift for her four-year doctorate study – the successful landing of China's first Mars exploration project in May.

The 27-year-old researcher from Shandong province was one of many scientists behind this national mega project, which started in 2016, the same year she began her studies in Hong Kong and joined the national endeavor.

Wang contributed to the work of finding an ideal landing site for the probe's robotic lander spacecraft, carrying the Mars rover Zhurong – named after China's traditional god of fire.

Being part of the nation's space program is more like a reward for a scientific researcher than a call of duty, Wang said.

"During the process, our efforts were seen and recognized. It will fuel our enthusiasm for research work and always drive us forward," she said.