Core Viewpoint - The article commemorates the life and contributions of Zheng Zhipeng, a renowned particle physicist and former director of the Institute of High Energy Physics, who passed away on November 27, 2025, at the age of 85. His significant achievements in particle physics and his leadership roles in various scientific organizations are highlighted. Group 1: Personal Background - Zheng Zhipeng was born on June 28, 1940, in Guilin, Guangxi, and graduated from the University of Science and Technology of China in July 1963 [3] - He joined the Chinese Communist Party in December 1965 and began his career at the Institute of High Energy Physics in February 1973 [3] Group 2: Professional Achievements - Zheng served as the deputy director of the Institute of High Energy Physics from August 1988 and became the director from June 1992 to July 1998 [3] - He was instrumental in the construction and improvement of the Beijing Electron-Positron Collider and the Beijing Spectrometer, contributing to significant scientific advancements, including the precise measurement of the tau lepton mass [4] - His work led to a tenfold increase in measurement precision and resolved a long-standing issue in particle physics regarding lepton universality [4] Group 3: Awards and Recognition - Zheng received numerous prestigious awards, including the National Science and Technology Progress Award (Special Class) in 1989 and 1990, and the China Physical Society Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 [5] - He published over 200 papers and authored four books, significantly contributing to the field of high-energy physics [5] Group 4: Educational Contributions - Zheng was a doctoral advisor at the University of Science and Technology of China and mentored numerous master's and doctoral students, fostering new talent in high-energy physics [5] - As the president of Guangxi University, he played a crucial role in elevating the institution to a key national university, marking a significant milestone in its development [5]

Group 1 - Yang Zhenning is a well-known figure across the Taiwan Strait, with both the Kuomintang and the Communist Party eager to be associated with him as the first Chinese Nobel laureate [1] - Yang Zhenning's recent biography, "The Beauty of Norms and Symmetry - The Biography of Yang Zhenning," includes a chapter on his relationship with his wife, Weng Fan, highlighting their 54-year age difference [2] - The deterioration of Yang Zhenning's friendship with Li Zhengdao began after they jointly won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957, with disputes over the attribution of their work [3][4] Group 2 - The official narrative surrounding the "Yang-Li combination" is sensitive, with both the mainland and Taiwan avoiding the topic, hoping for reconciliation [5] - In 1980, the Chinese government attempted to facilitate a reconciliation meeting between Yang and Li, which was portrayed as a joint initiative, but Yang viewed it as a superficial gesture [6] - Yang Zhenning's biography was initially published in Taiwan but faced censorship in mainland China due to its content regarding his disputes with Li Zhengdao [7] Group 3 - Yang Zhenning has had significant interactions with Chinese political leaders since moving to Beijing in 2003, often discussing scientific advancements [9][10] - His family background includes connections to both the Kuomintang and the Communist Party, which has influenced his relationships with political figures [11][12] - Yang Zhenning's return to China was marked by high-profile receptions, including meetings with Zhou Enlai and Mao Zedong, reflecting his esteemed status [13][14] Group 4 - Yang Zhenning has faced criticism for his close ties to the Communist Party, with some accusing him of pandering to the government [15] - He has defended his views on education, asserting that both Chinese and American systems have their strengths [16] - Yang Zhenning's return to China was facilitated by promises from Tsinghua University, where he has made significant contributions to research and education [16][17] Group 5 - Yang Zhenning's personal life includes a romantic relationship with Weng Fan, which began after the death of his first wife, Du Zhili [17][18] - Their marriage has been characterized by mutual support and affection, with Yang expressing gratitude for Weng's care [20][21] - Yang Zhenning has discussed the challenges of having children at their age, indicating a preference against it [22] Group 6 - Yang Zhenning believes that winning the Nobel Prize has had a mixed impact on his life, influencing his worldview but not his research direction [23][24] - He has commented on the state of Chinese scientific research, noting significant progress but also highlighting areas needing improvement [25][26] - Yang Zhenning has advocated for a more strategic approach to funding scientific research in China, particularly in high-energy physics [29][30]

Core Insights - The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) has successfully completed the injection of 20,000 tons of liquid scintillator and has officially begun data collection, marking a significant breakthrough in China's high-energy physics research [1] - This facility is the first of its kind in the world to be operational as a next-generation large neutrino experiment, positioning China at the forefront of neutrino research [1] - The primary scientific goal of JUNO is to determine the mass ordering of neutrinos, which is a major focus in particle physics and cosmology for the next decade [1] Group 1: Technical Achievements - The JUNO detector is located 700 meters underground in Jiangmen, Guangdong, and has already obtained its first batch of scientific data, exceeding performance expectations [1] - The core detector consists of a 20,000-ton liquid scintillator housed in a 41.1-meter diameter stainless steel structure, equipped with 20-inch and 3-inch photomultiplier tubes [1] - The successful injection of the liquid scintillator involved meticulous operations, including the prior filling of over 60,000 tons of ultra-pure water and maintaining strict control over liquid levels and flow rates [1] Group 2: Research Capabilities - JUNO is capable of detecting neutrinos from the Taishan and Yangjiang nuclear power plants, as well as from solar, supernova, atmospheric, and terrestrial sources, enabling cutting-edge research in various fields [3] - The facility will also explore new physical phenomena such as sterile neutrinos and proton decay, enhancing the understanding of fundamental physics [3] - The project is a significant international collaboration involving over 700 researchers from 74 institutions across 17 countries and regions, highlighting the importance of global cooperation in scientific advancements [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the contributions of Chen Hesheng, a prominent particle physicist in China, who has been instrumental in developing major scientific infrastructure, particularly in the field of cancer treatment using neutron capture therapy [1][3][19]. Group 1: Contributions to Cancer Treatment - Chen Hesheng has pioneered the use of boron neutron capture therapy, which is a new method for treating tumors that is more convenient and cost-effective for patients [3][5]. - The Chinese Spallation Neutron Source, under Chen's leadership, is recognized for its potential in cancer treatment, emphasizing the integration of scientific research and medical applications [3][15]. Group 2: Development of Scientific Infrastructure - The Chinese Spallation Neutron Source is the first of its kind in China and the fourth in the world, serving as a "super microscope" for exploring the microscopic world [15]. - This facility has completed over 2,000 experimental projects and has more than 8,000 registered users, providing critical support for national strategic needs and fundamental research [15][19]. Group 3: Personal Journey and Legacy - Chen Hesheng's journey began in 1978 when he first engaged with particle physics, leading to significant advancements in China's high-energy physics capabilities [11][19]. - Despite being nearly 80 years old, Chen continues to work actively in the field, mentoring young researchers and contributing to ongoing projects, viewing the Spallation Neutron Source as his new home [23][24].