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 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]