Core Viewpoint - The article commemorates the life and contributions of Yang Zhenning, a prominent physicist and Nobel laureate, who passed away at the age of 103, highlighting his impact on Chinese science and the global scientific community [3][6]. Group 1: Personal Background and Education - Yang Zhenning was born in 1922 in Anhui and graduated from Southwest Associated University in 1942. He pursued further studies in the United States, where he was mentored by notable physicists such as Edward Teller and Enrico Fermi [6][7]. - He completed his PhD at the University of Chicago in 1948 and later worked at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, where he interacted with renowned physicists like Albert Einstein [7][8]. Group 2: Scientific Contributions - Yang Zhenning, along with Li Zhengdao, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957 for the theory of "parity violation," which was experimentally confirmed [8]. - He is recognized as one of the most influential theoretical physicists of the mid-20th century, with contributions that extend beyond the Nobel Prize, including the Yang-Mills theory, a cornerstone of particle physics [9][12]. Group 3: Influence on Chinese Science - After returning to China in 2003, Yang dedicated himself to advancing basic scientific research and nurturing young talent at Tsinghua University, where he founded the Institute for Advanced Study [12][14]. - His efforts significantly contributed to the development of quantum information science in China, encouraging many scientists to return and engage in research [14][15]. Group 4: Legacy and Recognition - Yang Zhenning's passing has been met with widespread mourning in the scientific community, with tributes highlighting his role as a mentor and his influence on generations of scientists [14][15]. - His thoughts on education emphasized the importance of allowing young students to explore their interests freely and the need for collaboration among academic institutions [15][16].

Core Insights - The passing of Yang Zhenning, a prominent physicist and Nobel laureate, on October 18 at the age of 103, has deeply impacted the scientific community both domestically and internationally [1][3][11] - Yang Zhenning dedicated his later years to advancing basic scientific research in China, nurturing young talent, and establishing top-tier research institutions [1][10] Group 1: Contributions to Physics - Yang Zhenning was recognized for his groundbreaking work in theoretical physics, particularly for the "parity violation" theory, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957 alongside fellow scientist Li Zhengdao [4][5] - He co-developed the "Yang-Mills theory," a fundamental framework in particle physics, which is considered a cornerstone of the standard model and has influenced numerous fields in mathematics and physics [5][10] Group 2: Influence on Chinese Science - Yang Zhenning played a crucial role in promoting the development of physics in China, especially after his return in 2003, where he contributed significantly to Tsinghua University's research initiatives [10][12] - He encouraged young scientists, including notable figures like Pan Jianwei, to return to China and focus on quantum information science, thereby fostering a new generation of researchers [9][10] Group 3: Legacy and Recognition - His death prompted tributes from various academic institutions, highlighting his profound influence on generations of scientists and the broader scientific community [11][12] - Yang Zhenning's insights into the nature of scientific research emphasized the importance of foundational studies and the need for collaboration among academic institutions [12]