Renowned physicist and educator, Lee Tsung-Dao, made significant contributions to the development of science and technology, education, and talent cultivation in China. Born in Shanghai in 1926, Lee’s academic journey began during the turbulent war years when he enrolled at National Che Kiang University. He later moved to the National Southwestern Associated University, where he was nominated for a Chinese government scholarship to pursue graduate studies in the United States.
In 1953, Lee joined Columbia University as an assistant professor and went on to become the university’s youngest full professor in 1956. Just a year later, at the age of 31, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, becoming the second-youngest scientist to receive this prestigious honor. Throughout his nearly six-decade tenure at Columbia University, Lee became a legend in the field of theoretical physics, with groundbreaking contributions that left a lasting impact on both theoretical and experimental physics.
Robert Oppenheimer, known as the father of the atomic bomb, praised Lee as one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists of his time, highlighting his remarkable freshness, versatility, and style in his discoveries. Lee’s influence extended beyond the academic realm, as he played a pivotal role in fostering scientific collaboration between China and the United States.
Lee’s efforts to advance China’s scientific development included the establishment of the China-US Physics Examination and Application Programme (CUSPEA), a groundbreaking initiative that sent over 900 Chinese physics students to the US for graduate education. This program had a profound impact on shaping the future of Chinese scientific talent, with many CUSPEA scholars going on to become leaders in academia, research, and the private sector.
In addition to CUSPEA, Lee founded the Special Class for the Gifted Young at the University of Science and Technology of China, training nearly 2,000 young individuals in various fields of study. He also played a key role in establishing a postdoctoral training system in China’s higher education institutions and research organizations, further nurturing top talent in the country.
Lee’s dedication to advancing high-energy physics in China led to the development of the Beijing Electron Positron Collider, the country’s first high-energy accelerator and large research facility. He also spearheaded the Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment, a multinational particle physics project that studied neutrinos near Shenzhen, contributing to significant scientific discoveries.
Wang Yifang, director of the Institute of High Energy Physics in Beijing, emphasized Lee’s instrumental role in boosting China’s high-energy physics research and achievements over the past half-century. Lee’s unwavering support and practical actions were crucial in driving the progress of high-energy physics in China, underscoring his lasting legacy in the scientific community.
In conclusion, Lee Tsung-Dao’s profound impact on science, education, and talent cultivation in China is a testament to his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and collaboration. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the scientific community and continue to inspire future generations of scientists and educators in China and beyond.