一生心怀家国 杨振宁：我的身体里循环着中华文化的血液

Core Viewpoint - The article commemorates the life and achievements of Yang Zhenning, a renowned physicist and Nobel laureate, highlighting his contributions to modern physics and his deep connection to Chinese culture and education [2][41]. Early Life and Education - Yang Zhenning was born on October 1, 1922, in Hefei, Anhui, and spent his early years in Tsinghua University, where his father was a professor [5][6]. - He excelled academically at Southwest Associated University, becoming its top student [4][9]. - Yang graduated from Southwest Associated University in 1942 with a thesis on group theory and molecular vibrations [12]. Academic Career and Contributions - In 1945, Yang Zhenning went to the United States as a public-funded student and studied at the University of Chicago, where he earned his Ph.D. in 1948 [15]. - He joined the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton in 1949, marking the beginning of a distinguished academic career [18]. - In 1954, he co-developed the Yang-Mills theory, a significant advancement in gauge theory, laying the groundwork for the Standard Model of particle physics [21][22]. Nobel Prize and Recognition - Yang Zhenning, along with Li Zhengdao, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957 for their work on parity violation in weak interactions [24][27]. - He expressed pride in his Chinese heritage during the Nobel Prize ceremony, emphasizing his commitment to modern science [28]. Contributions to China - Yang Zhenning maintained a strong connection to China, advocating for the importance of fundamental scientific research and facilitating academic exchanges between China and the U.S. [31][34]. - He established the "Committee for Educational Exchange with China" to support Chinese scholars studying in the U.S. [34]. - In 1997, he became the honorary director of Tsinghua University's Institute for Advanced Study, contributing significantly to its development [35]. Legacy and Impact - Yang Zhenning's work in various fields of physics has had a profound impact, earning him numerous accolades and honorary degrees from prestigious institutions worldwide [43]. - He is recognized as one of the greatest physicists of the 20th century, with his theories being foundational to modern physics [41][44]. - His life symbolizes a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures, reflecting a commitment to both scientific inquiry and national pride [44][47].