Core Viewpoint - Yang Zhenning is a renowned physicist whose contributions to modern physics, particularly in particle physics and field theory, have had a profound impact on the scientific community and education in China [23]. Group 1: 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 [1]. - He completed his undergraduate studies at Southwest Associated University in 1942, graduating with a thesis on group theory and polyatomic molecular vibrations [3]. - Yang pursued graduate studies at Tsinghua University, earning a master's degree in 1944 [3]. Group 2: Academic Career and Major Contributions - In 1945, Yang went to the United States as a government-sponsored student and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1948 [6]. - He developed the Yang-Mills theory in 1954, which is considered a cornerstone of modern physics and laid the groundwork for the Standard Model of particle physics [8]. - Yang and Li Zhengdao proposed the concept of parity violation in weak interactions in 1956, leading to their Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957 [12]. Group 3: Influence and Contributions to China - Yang Zhenning returned to China in 1971, promoting scientific exchange and advising on the importance of basic scientific research [18]. - He established the "Committee for Educational Exchange with China" in 1980, facilitating the education of Chinese scholars in the U.S. [18]. - Yang has been instrumental in the development of various scientific institutions in China and has contributed significantly to the reform and advancement of higher education [19]. Group 4: Legacy and Recognition - Yang Zhenning has received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Prize, and has been elected to various prestigious academies worldwide [23]. - He donated over 2,000 items, including books and manuscripts, to Tsinghua University, establishing the Yang Zhenning Archive [20]. - His life and work symbolize a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures, reflecting his dedication to both science and his homeland [24].

Core Viewpoint - The article commemorates the life and achievements of renowned physicist Yang Zhenning, highlighting his contributions to modern physics and his deep connection to Chinese culture and education [3][40]. Group 1: 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 [6]. - He graduated from Southwest Associated University in 1942 with a thesis on group theory and multi-atomic molecular vibrations [11]. - Yang pursued further studies at Tsinghua University, earning a master's degree in 1944 [11]. Group 2: Academic Career and Major Contributions - In 1945, Yang 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 [12]. - He developed the Yang-Mills theory in 1954, which is considered a significant advancement in gauge theory and laid the foundation for the Standard Model of particle physics [17][19]. - Yang and Li Zhengdao were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957 for their work on parity violation in weak interactions, becoming the first Chinese Nobel laureates in physics [20][22]. Group 3: Influence and Legacy - Yang Zhenning returned to China in 1971, fostering academic exchanges and advocating for the importance of fundamental scientific research in China [27][29]. - He established the Yang Zhenning Theory Physics Research Institute at Stony Brook University and contributed significantly to the development of theoretical physics in China [22][30]. - Yang's contributions to various fields of physics, including particle physics and statistical mechanics, have had a profound impact on the development of modern science [37][38]. Group 4: Later Life and Return to China - In 2015, Yang renounced his U.S. citizenship and became a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, reflecting his commitment to his homeland [35]. - He donated over 2,000 books and manuscripts to Tsinghua University in 2021, establishing the Yang Zhenning Archive [35]. - Yang continued to teach and mentor students at Tsinghua University, significantly influencing the development of higher education in China [33][41].

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]