Yang Chen-Ning

Yang Chen-Ning was born on October 1, 1922, in Hefei, Anhui, China. He grew up in a scholarly family, with his father being a professor of mathematics and his mother an accomplished musician. This upbringing in an intellectually stimulating environment set the foundation for his future in theoretical physics. Yang would go on to become one of the most influential physicists of the 20th century, known for his work in quantum mechanics and statistical physics.

In 1954, Yang Chen-Ning, along with Robert Mills, introduced the Yang-Mills theory, a gauge theory that has played a crucial role in the development of modern physics, particularly in the field of particle physics. The theory is a generalization of the concept of electromagnetism and forms the mathematical foundation for the Standard Model of particle physics. It introduced the idea of non-abelian gauge symmetry, which is a key feature of the strong force between quarks and gluons.

In 1957, Yang Chen-Ning, along with Tsung-Dao Lee, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their groundbreaking work on the violation of parity conservation in weak interactions. Their theoretical prediction—later confirmed by experiments conducted by Chien-Shiung Wu—proved that the weak force does not necessarily preserve parity symmetry, which was a revolutionary discovery at the time. This work significantly advanced the understanding of fundamental forces in particle physics.

In 1979, Yang Chen-Ning founded the C.N. Yang Institute for Theoretical Physics at Stony Brook University in New York. This institute has become a leading center for research in theoretical physics, fostering advancements in various fields such as quantum field theory, string theory, and condensed matter physics. The institute embodies Yang's vision of promoting collaborative and cutting-edge research to explore the fundamental aspects of the universe.

In 1988, Yang Chen-Ning returned to China for the first time since he left in 1949. His return was greeted with enthusiasm and marked the beginning of renewed collaboration and interaction with the Chinese scientific community. Yang started contributing to the growth of physics in China, involving himself in educational initiatives and serving as a bridge between Chinese and international scientists. He became a staunch advocate for scientific development in China.

In 1999, Yang Chen-Ning was awarded the "Two Bombs, One Satellite" Meritorious Award by the Chinese government. This award recognizes scientists who have made significant contributions to the development of China's nuclear and satellite technology. Yang's role in advising and mentoring Chinese scientists played a part in this recognition, highlighting his influence on China's scientific community and his efforts to promote scientific advancement and innovation in the country.

In 2004, Yang Chen-Ning married Weng Fan, a former student 54 years his junior. The marriage attracted significant media attention due to the age difference, but Yang defended his personal life against public scrutiny. The couple has since been known for their commitment to privacy, and their marriage brought Yang back into the public spotlight, albeit in a more personal context, drawing attention to his legacy and continuing influence.

In 2005, Yang Chen-Ning joined Tsinghua University as a professor, marking a significant moment in his career. Returning to academia in China, Yang became actively involved in teaching and research at one of China's most prestigious institutions, helping to nurture a new generation of physicists and contributing to the growth of scientific research in China. His role at Tsinghua signifies his long-standing commitment to education and science.

In 2015, at the age of 93, Yang Chen-Ning retired from his position at Tsinghua University, concluding a significant chapter of his academic career. During his tenure, Yang had been instrumental in mentoring students and contributing to the university's academic prestige. His retirement marked the end of an era, but his influence on physics and his students remains, as does his legacy as a pioneering physicist and educator.

In 2021, Yang Chen-Ning celebrated his 99th birthday, an occasion that was acknowledged globally by the physics community. Acknowledged as a living legend, Yang's contributions to theoretical physics continue to inspire new generations of scientists. Celebrations were held virtually due to the global pandemic, reflecting on his remarkable life, his scientific contributions, and the impact he continues to have on physics and beyond.