Chinese renowned respiratory scientist Zhong Nanshan receives an interview with Xinhua in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong province, Jan 28, 2020. (File photo: Xinhua)

BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities on Friday announced the 12 winners of this year's "model educator" awards.

The 12 model educators, jointly selected by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Ministry of Education, include teachers who have played outstanding roles in fighting COVID-19 and village school teachers.

Dr. Zhang Boli, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering. (File photo: Xinhua)

Renowned respiratory disease expert Zhong Nanshan, who is also a professor of Guangzhou Medical University, and Zhang Boli, president and professor of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, are among the honorees.