Core Points - The article commemorates the life and contributions of Yang Zhenning, a renowned physicist and Nobel laureate, who passed away on October 24, 2023 [1][2][3] - Yang Zhenning is celebrated for his significant scientific discoveries and his dedication to advancing basic scientific research in China [3][4] Group 1 - Yang Zhenning's funeral was attended by family, friends, and numerous individuals from Tsinghua University and the broader community, reflecting his impact and legacy [2][3] - His contributions to physics include the Yang-Mills theory and the Yang-Baxter equation, which have had a profound influence on the field [2][3] - Yang Zhenning's life journey is described as a "circle," symbolizing his commitment to ideals and contributions to science and his country [2][3] Group 2 - The article highlights Yang Zhenning's lifelong dedication to nurturing scientific talent in China and his desire for the country's scientific advancements to reach global prominence [3][4] - His passing has prompted reflections on his character and the inspiration he provided to generations of scientists, emphasizing his patriotism and commitment to scientific integrity [3][4] - Memorials and tributes have been organized in various locations, including Tsinghua University and his birthplace, showcasing the widespread admiration for his contributions [4]

Group 1 - Yang Zhenning, a renowned physicist and Nobel laureate, passed away on October 18, 2025, at the age of 103, leaving behind a significant legacy in modern physics [2] - His contributions include the Yang-Mills theory, which is considered one of the cornerstones of modern physics, and the revolutionary idea of parity violation in weak interactions, which earned him the Nobel Prize [4][5] - Yang's work has profoundly influenced various fields of physics, including particle physics, field theory, statistical physics, and condensed matter physics [5][8] Group 2 - Yang Zhenning's commitment to education and mentorship is evident through his role at Tsinghua University, where he aimed to establish a high-level research institute comparable to Princeton [10][17] - He actively recruited top scholars and contributed significantly to the development of theoretical physics in China, fostering international academic exchanges [14][18] - Yang's teaching style was characterized by humility and accessibility, encouraging students to engage actively in learning [25][26] Group 3 - His life journey reflects a deep connection to his Chinese heritage and a commitment to advancing science in China, which he viewed as a vital contribution to national pride [8][14] - Yang Zhenning's legacy continues to inspire future generations of scientists, reinforcing the belief that Chinese scholars can achieve excellence in the global scientific community [8][18] - His dedication to science and education has left an indelible mark on the academic landscape, promoting a culture of inquiry and innovation [20][29]

Core Viewpoint - The article commemorates the life and achievements of Yang Zhenning, a renowned physicist and Nobel laureate, who passed away at the age of 103, highlighting his contributions to physics and his impact on Chinese science and education [1][28]. Group 1: Early Life and Education - Yang Zhenning was born in 1922 in Hefei, Anhui, and developed an early interest in mathematics and physics, inspired by his father's academic background and a book he read in middle school [1][3]. - He attended Southwest Associated University during the Second Sino-Japanese War, where he excelled academically, achieving top scores in various subjects [3][4]. Group 2: Major Scientific Contributions - Yang Zhenning, along with Li Zhengdao, proposed the concept of parity violation in weak interactions in 1956, which was later experimentally confirmed, earning them the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957 [5][8]. - He co-developed the Yang-Mills theory in 1954, which laid the groundwork for the standard model of particle physics, and discovered the Yang-Baxter equation in 1967, influencing statistical physics and quantum theory [8][25]. Group 3: Contributions to China - After returning to China in 1971, Yang Zhenning played a significant role in promoting scientific research and policy, advising on the importance of basic science and contributing to major scientific projects [10][11]. - He was instrumental in establishing the Tsinghua University Institute for Advanced Study and dedicated efforts to fundraise and support academic development at the university [14][27]. Group 4: Legacy and Recognition - Yang Zhenning's contributions to various fields of physics have had a profound impact, leading to the naming of an asteroid after him, and he is celebrated as one of the greatest physicists of the 20th century [25][27]. - His life is characterized by a commitment to education and science, bridging Eastern and Western cultures, and he is remembered for his humility and dedication to his homeland [27][28].