On May 28, 2008, China's 24 scientific papers and their authors were recognized with the first 'Thomson Reuters Research Fronts Award 2008' jointly presented by the Scientific Business of Thomson Reuters and the Chinese Academy of Sciences Research Front Analysis Center. A paper titled “Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Influenza Virus Infection in Migratory Birds” published on Science in 2005 by George Fu Gao and other researchers of the Institute of Microbiology collaborated with other Chinese institutions won the award in recognition of its outstanding pioneering research and influential contribution to international research and development. The event was attended by over 150 of the winners' academic peers from leading research institutions, universities and libraries.