Core Viewpoint - The discussion between Zhang Chaoyang and Xu Yihong highlights the historical development and unification of physics theories, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and creativity in advancing the field [1][3]. Group 1: Historical Milestones in Physics - 2025 marks significant anniversaries for key physics theories, including the 120th anniversary of special relativity and the 110th anniversary of general relativity, indicating major advancements in human understanding of nature [3]. - Newton unified the laws of mechanics for celestial and terrestrial bodies, while Maxwell completed the classical unification of electricity and magnetism [3]. - Einstein's contributions through special and general relativity revealed profound connections between spacetime and gravity, leading to a deeper understanding of the universe [3]. Group 2: Quantum Mechanics and Field Theory - Quantum mechanics, through Schrödinger's wave equation and Heisenberg's matrix mechanics, established a foundational framework for modern physics, culminating in the development of quantum field theory [4]. - Quantum field theory is recognized as one of the most powerful and successful theories in human history, accurately calculating atomic spectra and the electron magnetic moment [4]. Group 3: The Role of Serendipity in Theoretical Development - Important theoretical advancements often stem from existing theories that may not receive immediate attention, as illustrated by Maxwell's equations hinting at Lorentz symmetry [6][8]. - The development of new theories requires both intellectual insight and a degree of luck, as demonstrated by Einstein's timely corrections to his predictions regarding light bending [8]. Group 4: The Future of Physics and AI - Current AI capabilities are limited to processing vast amounts of data and cannot replicate human intuition in exploring physics, which remains reliant on human creativity and thought [9].

Group 1 - Nanjing University held its first Science and Technology Innovation Conference, awarding the "Nanjing University Excellent Scientific Achievement Award" with five categories [1] - Professor Du Lingjie from the School of Physics received the "Scientific Frontier Breakthrough Award" for his team's pioneering work in quantum technology, including the first observation of graviton modes in condensed matter [1] - The research on gravitons is considered a significant foundational scientific issue, with the potential to contribute to a unified theory of physics, supported by Nanjing University's strategic vision [1] Group 2 - Academician Shen Shuzhong's team from the School of Earth Sciences and Engineering also received the "Scientific Frontier Breakthrough Award" for integrating multi-disciplinary data to establish a global high-resolution marine biodiversity curve [2] - The team's work reveals the precise processes of biodiversity evolution and mass extinction from 2.5 billion to 250 million years ago, with some results included in international stratigraphic standards [2] - Nanjing University launched the "789 Science and Technology Tackling Plan" aimed at enhancing scientific innovation efficiency and addressing major scientific and technological challenges [2]