Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the memorial service for the renowned physicist Yang Zhenning, highlighting his contributions to science and the impact he had on students and the academic community [4][5][7]. Group 1: Memorial Service Details - On October 19, a long queue formed outside the Tsinghua University Science Museum as hundreds of people came to pay their respects to Yang Zhenning, who passed away at the age of 103 [4][6]. - A memorial room was set up at the Science Museum from October 18 to 24 to accept condolences from the public [6]. - Yang Zhenning had a deep connection with the Science Museum, as it was not only the location of the Tsinghua University Institute for Advanced Study but also where his father worked [6]. Group 2: Yang Zhenning's Legacy - Yang Zhenning spent nearly 30 years at Tsinghua University, where he made significant contributions to the education and development of physics [5][8]. - He continued to teach and engage in research even at an advanced age, influencing the fields of cold atom physics, condensed matter physics, and cryptography [8]. - Many attendees at the memorial were former students and colleagues, reflecting on his profound impact on their academic journeys [9][10]. Group 3: Public Sentiment and Remembrance - The article captures the emotional atmosphere as people of all ages, including children, came to honor Yang Zhenning, indicating his lasting influence on future generations [11][14]. - A young physics teacher traveled from Tianjin to pay tribute, intending to create a commemorative video for his students [14]. - The memorial service was marked by a sense of collective mourning, with various tributes and flowers being offered in his memory [15][16].

Core Points - Renowned physicist and Nobel laureate Yang Zhenning passed away on October 18 at the age of 103, prompting widespread mourning and remembrance from the academic community and the public [3][6][10] - Yang Zhenning spent nearly 30 years at Tsinghua University, where he made significant contributions to physics education and research, particularly in areas such as cold atom physics and condensed matter physics [6][13] - A memorial room was established at Tsinghua University from October 18 to 24, allowing people to pay their respects, with hundreds lining up to honor his legacy [4][12] Contributions to Education and Research - Yang Zhenning was instrumental in the establishment of the Tsinghua University Advanced Research Center in 1997 and served as an honorary director, later becoming a professor [6][8] - He continued to teach and mentor students well into his eighties, significantly impacting the development of physics education in China [6][10] - His contributions to the field include 13 significant achievements in various areas of physics, with the violation of parity conservation and Yang-Mills theory being among his most recognized works [13] Public Remembrance - Many former students and colleagues attended the memorial, reflecting on Yang's influence and contributions to their academic journeys [6][8] - The memorial attracted a diverse crowd, including young students and teachers, indicating his lasting impact on generations of physicists [12][14] - Tsinghua University and its affiliated departments displayed black-and-white tributes on their websites, symbolizing collective mourning for Yang Zhenning [13]

Core Viewpoint - Yang Zhenning is a prominent figure in both Chinese and global scientific communities, known for his significant contributions to physics and his role in fostering academic exchanges between China and the West [1][3][4]. Early Life and Education - Yang Zhenning was born in Hefei and spent his early years in a scholarly environment, influenced by his father, who was the first Chinese to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Chicago [1][6]. - He attended the National Southwestern Associated University during World War II, where he shifted his focus from chemistry to physics, laying the groundwork for his future contributions [7][9]. Scientific Contributions - Yang Zhenning's major scientific achievements include the parity non-conservation theory, Yang-Mills theory, and the Yang-Baxter equation, which are considered foundational in modern physics [10][14][15]. - The parity non-conservation theory, developed with Li Zhengdao, challenged the long-held belief in parity conservation in weak interactions, leading to Yang's Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957 [11][13]. - The Yang-Mills theory unified the electromagnetic, weak, and strong forces, providing a mathematical framework for the Standard Model of particle physics [14]. - The Yang-Baxter equation opened new avenues in mathematical physics, influencing numerous fields and recognized by multiple Fields Medalists [15]. Aesthetic and Cultural Integration - Yang Zhenning emphasized the beauty in physics, equating the pursuit of scientific truth with artistic appreciation, and categorized beauty into three levels: phenomenological, descriptive, and structural [17][18]. - His work reflects a blend of Eastern and Western cultural influences, showcasing a deep respect for traditional Chinese values while engaging with modern scientific paradigms [18][20]. Later Life and Contributions to Education - After returning to China, Yang Zhenning dedicated himself to advancing Chinese science and education, taking on roles at Tsinghua University and other institutions to foster research and attract talent [20][21]. - He established platforms for collaboration between Chinese scholars and international academia, significantly impacting the development of basic sciences in China [20][21].

Core Viewpoint - The article reflects on the life and contributions of Yang Zhenning, a prominent physicist, highlighting his academic achievements, friendships, and personal relationships, ultimately portraying him as a figure who sought order in the universe while maintaining a sense of humanity in his personal life [5][20]. Academic Contributions - Yang Zhenning was born in 1922 in Hefei, Anhui, and faced significant challenges during his youth, including fleeing from war [7]. - He studied under renowned physicist Fermi in the United States and co-developed the "parity violation" theory with Li Zhengdao in 1956, which challenged existing beliefs in physics and earned them the Nobel Prize in 1957 [8]. - Yang also contributed to the "Yang-Mills theory," which became a cornerstone of modern particle physics, influencing future Nobel Prize discoveries [8]. - He played a crucial role in advancing China's physics research and was instrumental in establishing international collaborations in high-energy and condensed matter physics [8]. Friendships and Collaborations - Yang's collaboration with Li Zhengdao is noted as a significant partnership in the history of science, leading to their joint Nobel Prize win [10]. - Despite their initial close relationship, differences in ideology and disputes over authorship led to a rift between Yang and Li, marking a notable shift in their friendship [12]. - Throughout his career, Yang interacted with many prominent scientists, including Einstein and Dyson, who recognized his contributions to physics [14]. Personal Life and Relationships - Yang's personal life included a significant relationship with Du Zhi Li, whom he met serendipitously in 1949, leading to their marriage in 1950 [16]. - After Du's passing in 2003, Yang married Weng Fan in 2004, which attracted public attention due to their age difference of 54 years [17]. - Yang's relationship with Weng was characterized by warmth and shared experiences, showcasing a softer side of his personality [18].

Core Viewpoint - The article reflects on the life and contributions of Yang Zhenning, emphasizing his profound impact on modern physics and the lessons his work offers to the business world, particularly in terms of foundational research, collaboration, talent strategy, and long-term vision [12][24]. Group 1: Foundational Research - Yang Zhenning's significant contributions, such as the Yang-Mills theory and the concept of parity violation, highlight the importance of foundational research in creating deep competitive advantages for businesses [14][15]. - The article argues that true, sustainable competitive advantages often stem from invisible foundational theories rather than visible products, urging companies to invest in long-term basic research [15][16]. Group 2: Collaborative Innovation - The collaborative nature of Yang Zhenning's achievements, including his partnerships with other prominent scientists, illustrates the necessity of creating environments that foster collective innovation [16][17]. - Businesses are encouraged to design organizational structures that promote collaboration and allow diverse experts to engage freely, thus enhancing innovation potential [17][18]. Group 3: Talent Strategy - The concept of parity violation serves as a metaphor for breaking conventional norms in talent acquisition, suggesting that organizations should adopt non-traditional strategies to attract top talent [18][20]. - Yang Zhenning's return to China symbolizes a shift in the global talent landscape, indicating that organizations must be open to diverse backgrounds and unconventional paths to attract exceptional talent [19][20]. Group 4: Long-term Vision - Yang Zhenning's life choices reflect a strategic long-term vision, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal and organizational goals with broader societal progress [21][22]. - The article advocates for businesses to adopt a long-term perspective, focusing on enduring value creation rather than short-term financial gains, as exemplified by successful companies like Amazon and Microsoft [23][24].

Core Viewpoint - The article commemorates the life and contributions of renowned physicist Yang Zhenning, who passed away at the age of 103, highlighting his groundbreaking work in physics, particularly the parity violation theory and the Yang-Mills theory, which have significantly influenced modern particle physics [5][8][85]. Group 1: Yang Zhenning's Achievements - Yang Zhenning, along with Li Zhengdao, proposed the parity violation theory, earning the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957, making them the first Chinese scientists to receive this honor [8][85]. - The Yang-Mills theory, co-developed with Mills, serves as a cornerstone of the modern particle physics standard model, profoundly impacting the field's development [8][85]. - Yang Zhenning's significant discoveries include the questioning of parity conservation in weak interactions, which led to a paradigm shift in physics [79][85]. Group 2: Personal Life and Background - Yang Zhenning was born on October 1, 1922, in Hefei, Anhui, and had two birthdays due to a clerical error on his immigration documents [21][22]. - He was known as "Yang Daitou" during his childhood, reflecting both his physical appearance and his role as a caretaker for his younger siblings [25][26]. - His academic journey began at the Southwest Associated University, where he excelled in physics and mathematics, later leading to his studies in the United States [28][30]. Group 3: Collaboration with Li Zhengdao - Yang Zhenning and Li Zhengdao developed a close friendship and collaboration, which began in the United States and led to significant scientific breakthroughs [59][67]. - Their joint work culminated in the Nobel Prize-winning paper questioning parity conservation, which was published in October 1956 [79][84]. - Despite their close collaboration, personal differences led to a rift between the two, highlighting the complexities of their relationship [16][71]. Group 4: Impact on Physics - The discovery of parity violation challenged long-held beliefs in physics, leading to a reevaluation of fundamental principles [84]. - Yang Zhenning's contributions have been recognized as pivotal in changing the perception of Chinese scientists in the global scientific community [85][86]. - The article emphasizes the importance of their work in shaping modern physics and inspiring future generations of scientists [85].

Group 1 - Yang Zhenning, a renowned physicist and Nobel laureate, passed away on October 18, 2025, at the age of 103, leaving behind a significant legacy in modern physics [2] - His contributions include the Yang-Mills theory, which is considered one of the cornerstones of modern physics, and the revolutionary idea of parity violation in weak interactions, which earned him the Nobel Prize [4][5] - Yang's work has profoundly influenced various fields of physics, including particle physics, field theory, statistical physics, and condensed matter physics [5][8] Group 2 - Yang Zhenning's commitment to education and mentorship is evident through his role at Tsinghua University, where he aimed to establish a high-level research institute comparable to Princeton [10][17] - He actively recruited top scholars and contributed significantly to the development of theoretical physics in China, fostering international academic exchanges [14][18] - Yang's teaching style was characterized by humility and accessibility, encouraging students to engage actively in learning [25][26] Group 3 - His life journey reflects a deep connection to his Chinese heritage and a commitment to advancing science in China, which he viewed as a vital contribution to national pride [8][14] - Yang Zhenning's legacy continues to inspire future generations of scientists, reinforcing the belief that Chinese scholars can achieve excellence in the global scientific community [8][18] - His dedication to science and education has left an indelible mark on the academic landscape, promoting a culture of inquiry and innovation [20][29]

Core Viewpoint - Renowned physicist and Nobel Prize winner Yang Zhenning passed away on October 18, 2025, in Beijing at the age of 103, leaving behind a legacy of significant contributions to theoretical physics [1]. Group 1: Early Life and Education - Yang Zhenning was born on October 1, 1922, in Hefei, Anhui, and moved to Tsinghua University with his family in 1929 when his father became a professor there [4]. - He showed exceptional academic performance from a young age, particularly in mathematics, and expressed his ambition to win a Nobel Prize at the age of 13 [6]. - At 16, he enrolled in Southwest Associated University, demonstrating his advanced academic capabilities [6][8]. Group 2: Academic Journey and Research - Yang Zhenning began his research in statistical mechanics under the guidance of Wang Zhuxi in 1942 and graduated with a master's degree from Tsinghua University in 1944 [8]. - He moved to the United States in 1945 to pursue further studies at the University of Chicago, where he shifted his focus from experimental to theoretical physics [10][12]. - His collaboration with Mills led to the publication of the Yang-Mills theory in 1954, marking a significant advancement in the study of gauge fields [15]. Group 3: Nobel Prize Achievement - In June 1956, Yang Zhenning and Li Zhengdao submitted a paper questioning the conservation of parity in weak interactions, which was met with skepticism from the physics community [17][19]. - Their hypothesis was experimentally validated by Wu Jianxiong, leading to the acceptance of parity non-conservation in weak interactions [19]. - Yang Zhenning and Li Zhengdao were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957 for their groundbreaking work [20]. Group 4: Legacy - Yang Zhenning's life spanned two centuries, bridging Eastern and Western cultures, and he is celebrated as a legendary figure in the exploration of the unknown [23]. - He metaphorically described his life as a "circle," starting from Tsinghua University, achieving global recognition, and ultimately returning to his roots [23].

Core Insights - Renowned physicist Yang Zhenning passed away on October 18, 2025, in Beijing at the age of 103, shortly after celebrating his birthday [1] - Yang Zhenning was a Nobel Prize winner in Physics, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and held prestigious positions at Tsinghua University [3] Contributions to Physics - Yang Zhenning was known for his groundbreaking work on the "parity violation" theory, which he proposed in 1957, leading to a Nobel Prize shared with fellow scientist Li Zhengdao [3] - The "parity violation" theory revolutionized the understanding of fundamental symmetries in nature and laid the groundwork for the development of the particle physics standard model [3] - Alongside Robert Mills, Yang Zhenning developed the "Yang-Mills theory," a cornerstone of the particle physics standard model, which has influenced various fields of mathematics and physics [4] Impact on Chinese Science - After returning to China in the 1970s, Yang Zhenning played a significant role in advancing Chinese physics and fostering international scientific exchanges [4] - He settled at Tsinghua University in 2003, dedicating his efforts to leading basic scientific research and nurturing young talent [5] - Yang Zhenning believed his most important contribution was enhancing the self-confidence of the Chinese people through his scientific achievements [5]

Core Points - Yang Zhenning, a renowned physicist and Nobel laureate, passed away on October 18, 2025, at the age of 103 [1] - He was born in 1922 in Anhui and graduated from Southwest Associated University in 1942, later studying at the University of Chicago [3] - Yang Zhenning is best known for his theory of "parity violation," which he proposed in 1957, leading to a Nobel Prize shared with fellow scientist Li Zhengdao [3][4] - His contributions significantly influenced the development of the Standard Model of particle physics and reshaped the understanding of fundamental symmetries in nature [3][4] - Yang Zhenning returned to China in 2003, dedicating his efforts to advancing basic scientific research and nurturing young talent at Tsinghua University [4] Summary by Sections Personal Background - Yang Zhenning was a prominent physicist and a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, serving as a professor at Tsinghua University [1][3] - He studied under Edward Teller, known as the "father of the hydrogen bomb," and worked at prestigious institutions including Princeton and Stony Brook [3] Scientific Contributions - He co-developed the "Yang-Mills theory," a cornerstone of the Standard Model, which is mathematically elegant and has influenced various fields in pure mathematics [4] - The "parity violation" theory he proposed was a pivotal moment in physics, fundamentally altering the perception of symmetry in the universe [3][4] Impact on China - Yang Zhenning played a crucial role in fostering scientific exchange between China and the West, especially after his return to China [4] - He emphasized the importance of boosting Chinese self-confidence through scientific achievements, considering this a significant contribution to his legacy [4]