Core Viewpoint - The article commemorates the life and contributions of Yu Shouwen, a prominent solid mechanics expert and educator, who passed away on December 5, 2025, at the age of 86, highlighting his significant impact on engineering education and solid mechanics research in China [2][6]. Group 1: Academic Contributions - Yu Shouwen made substantial contributions to solid mechanics, particularly in fracture and damage mechanics, smart materials, and microscale mechanics, achieving internationally influential and original results [4]. - He provided a complete continuous solution for the crack tip field of plane stress type I ideal plastic materials and established new fracture criteria considering both plasticity and damage dissipation [4]. - His research has been incorporated into national standards for safety assessment of defect-containing pressure vessels, providing critical theoretical support for major engineering structures [4]. Group 2: Publications and Awards - Yu published seven monographs and over 400 academic papers, receiving multiple awards including two third prizes of the National Natural Science Award and a special prize for National Science and Technology Progress [5]. - He served as the first Chinese president of the International Society of Fracture from 2013 to 2017 and was awarded the "YOKOBORI Gold Medal" in 2023 for his significant contributions [5]. Group 3: Educational Impact - As a vice president of Tsinghua University, Yu implemented significant reforms in engineering education, including the credit system and curriculum development, and contributed to the establishment of a robust engineering education certification system in China [5]. - He was a key advocate for China's engineering education to join the Washington Accord, receiving the "Global Engineering Education Outstanding Contribution Award" in 2012 [5].

Core Viewpoint - The publishing industry, particularly university presses, is experiencing a "Pareto Principle" effect where 20% of leading publishers are thriving while 80% of smaller publishers are increasingly marginalized and struggling to survive [1] Group 1: Challenges Faced by University Presses - University presses are trapped in a cycle of "involution," exacerbated by outdated regulations that still influence academic evaluations despite being officially abolished in 2019 [2][3] - Many universities continue to require publications from "top publishers" for academic promotions, leading to a preference for these publishers despite their outdated status [3][4] - The pressure to publish with recognized publishers limits the opportunities for smaller presses, which struggle to secure quality titles and maintain financial viability [4][10] Group 2: The Shift in Academic Publishing - The importance of publishing as a form of academic achievement is declining, with alternatives such as research projects and patents becoming more prevalent [6][7] - The effort required to publish a book is significantly greater than that for a paper, leading many academics to favor publishing articles due to better cost-effectiveness [6][7][8] Group 3: The Success of Major Publishers - The concentration of resources among the top 20% of publishers creates a positive feedback loop, allowing them to attract better authors and projects [10][12] - Major publishers benefit from established reputations and financial stability, enabling them to invest in quality projects and retain talented editors [12][13] - The digital transformation of educational materials favors larger publishers, who are better positioned to create integrated digital platforms [12]