Core Points - The article reflects on the life and legacy of Yang Zhenning, a prominent Chinese physicist, who recently passed away at the age of 103, marking the end of an era in modern science [1][2][3] Group 1: Personal Journey - Yang Zhenning's life can be seen as a circle, beginning in 1929 when he moved to Tsinghua University with his father, a significant moment that shaped his academic journey [8][10] - His early education was marked by a strong academic environment at Tsinghua and later at the National Southwestern Associated University during the tumultuous years of the Second Sino-Japanese War [9][12] - Yang's decision to study physics instead of chemistry at the university was pivotal, leading to his eventual contributions to the field [10][12] Group 2: Academic Achievements - Yang Zhenning's groundbreaking work in 1956 with Li Zhengdao on the theory of parity violation earned them the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957, making him one of the youngest laureates at that time [15][17] - His contributions significantly altered the understanding of natural laws and established him as a leading figure in 20th-century physics [15][18] Group 3: Return to China - After decades in the United States, Yang returned to China in 2003, where he aimed to contribute to education and scientific research, reflecting a deep connection to his homeland [25][28] - He actively participated in the establishment of the Tsinghua University Institute for Advanced Study, helping to attract top-tier scientists to China [21][22] Group 4: Legacy and Impact - Yang Zhenning's commitment to nurturing young talent and advancing scientific research in China was evident in his teaching and mentorship at Tsinghua University [28][31] - His life story serves as an inspiration, illustrating the intersection of personal ambition and national pride, culminating in a legacy that bridges generations [31][32]

Core Viewpoint - Yang Zhenning, a renowned physicist and Nobel laureate, passed away on October 18, 2025, in Beijing at the age of 103 [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 [3] - He attended Southwest Associated University, where he excelled academically and was noted as the best student [6] - Yang graduated from Southwest Associated University in 1942 and later pursued graduate studies at Tsinghua University [8] Group 2: Academic Career and Contributions - In 1945, Yang went to the United States as a Tsinghua University government-sponsored student and studied at the University of Chicago [9] - He developed significant theories, including the Yang-Mills theory in 1954, which laid the groundwork for the Standard Model of particle physics [14][16] - Yang and Li Zhengdao proposed the concept of parity violation in weak interactions in 1956, leading to their Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957 [19] Group 3: Influence and Legacy - Yang Zhenning played a crucial role in promoting scientific exchange between China and the West, especially after the thawing of Sino-American relations in the 1970s [22][24] - He established various educational initiatives and funds to support Chinese scholars studying abroad [29][31] - Yang's contributions to physics and education have been recognized globally, with numerous awards and honors, including the naming of an asteroid after him [36]