The Ministry of Science and Technology publicized the candidates for the 2015 top national science and technology awards on Wednesday.

A total of 299 projects were named. The list of experts who participated in reviewing the projects were also publicized. People who are interested will be able to find out which projects entered the final round.

"It is the first time the award office has released the review experts' information to the public, inviting societal oversight," said Zou Dating, director of the National Office for Science and Technology Awards under the ministry.

The public was also able to sit with experts to observe the review process on June 11 and 12, Zou added.

The State scientific and technological awards, held annually since 2000, are the highest reward for Chinese science and technology researchers.

The final results are released in January each year.