Abstract:    Accurately grasping the growth law of outstanding scientists is an important guarantee for the forward-looking and targeted formulation of policies for science, technology and innovation talents. This study comprehensively uses the combination of statistical analysis, comparative analysis and literature analysis to conduct an in-depth analysis of the growth law of the Nobel Science Prize winners from 1901 to 2021 and the academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It was found that: (1) Outstanding scientists made major achievements at the age of 35~45, and the average age at which their major scientific contributions were recognized by the academic community was 57~58. The average age of Nobel Science Prize winners is on the rise, while the average age of academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is on the decline. (2) It is relatively short for major achievements in chemistry, life sciences and medicine to be recognized, while it is relatively long for major achievements in physics and other fields to be recognized. (3) Outstanding scientists usually have a good scientific education background, and have conducted high-level scientific research work and academic exchanges on the world-class academic research platforms, and have grown up in a first-class academic environment. (4) The emergence of outstanding scientists shows strong community effects and obvious mentoring relationships. The mentoring relationship is an important factor in the growth of outstanding scientists, and learning from famous scientists can effectively promote the growth of scientists. Based on the conclusions, this study proposes two policy implications for supporting outstanding scientists and young science, technology and innovation talents.

Key words: outstanding scientist, growth law, Nobel Prize winner, academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences