By Li Chen of SUSTC News Agency

On December 20, 2015, famous physicist and Academician He Xianshi of the Chinese Academy of Sciences was invited to the 51st session of SUSTC Lectures, giving an excellent lecture entitled “My Life of Science”. Professor He Jiaqing, Dean of Departments of Physics, chaired the lecture.

Academician He Xianshi, as the theoretical physicist, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, researcher and Ph.D. Tutor, is now the Director of Peking University, Center for Applied Physics and Technology, member of China Academy of Engineering Physics, Expert Committee and Director-General of China Society for Computation Physics. He once worked as the Chief Scientist of inertial confinement fusion in 863 Program in China, and Dean of School of Physics in Zhejiang University, etc.

Academician He Xianshi, who has long been working in major research projects in China and is still working on a few leading projects in the field, talked about his life of science and personal experience in 3 aspects: the never-told stories when China was developing atomic bomb, hydrogen bomb and neutron bomb; his own growth story and personal experience in research; his personal experience and gaining when doing research in the University of Maryland in the 1980s in the capacity of visiting scholar. With professional and vivid language, Professor He recalled the past days when China was working hard on research and national defense. At the same time, he also shared with SUSTC students and faculty members his passion for science in the past 5 decades.

Interest comes from practice: concentrate and work painstakingly

Professor He, based on his personal experience, vividly talked about development and cultivation of interest. He said, “When you first know something new, it is impossbile for you to fall in love with it or have interest in it immediately. Actually, when I happened to be involved in research of nulcear weapon, I felt perplexed at first and didn’t know how to start the work. But you have to concentrate on it and keep finding new things and approaching it in theory and in practice. When you are about to achieve success, you will have dense interest in it”. At the same time, Professor He also told us never to believe the grass is always greener on the other hill. Since you are in, you have to be dedicated to it and do the work attentively. Interest and passion come from the spirit of concentration on the root issues in the practice of science.

Combine theory with practice: think scientifically and master correct methods

According to Academician He Xianshi, he had greatest innovation capacity and creativity in the 1970s and 1980s, in which he had the most meaningful life and overcame most difficulties. In the constant research work, he has slowly accumulated great experience in research with his research methods growing mature gradually. More importantly, he has established his own thinking methods. Based on his own practice, Professor He said, “As researchers, we need to be expert at analyzing complex phenomenon and issues, grasp the essence and major problems, use the theoretical physics knowledge and thinking methods to explore and analyze the evolution of complex system and find out its law of science. And this is the most essential methodology in the scientific research. In addition to thinking, we should also know how to learn knowledge and sum up things. Only in this way can we generate our own research methods.”

Foster the innovative spirit: keep exploring and asking questions

 While recalling the early years when he first came to the Institute, Professor He Xianshi mentioned the hot discussions between Peng Huanwu (the late physicist who used to work as the Director of Institute of Theoretical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences) and Cheng Kaijia (famous physicist and one of the founders of Chinese research on nuclear weapons who won the Highest National Award in Science and Technology). He mentioned he was really excited to listen to the lectures given by masters, who encouraged him to keep thinking and exploring things. In those years when China was working hard to develop the atomic bombs, hydrogen bombs and neutron bombs, the scientists had never been obstructed by the difficult research conditions and lack of technologies from making in-depth studies to explore the essence of things while facilitating their efforts. Thanks to the spirit of persistence, they have finally succeeded in bringing glory to their motherland. In the new era, the talents of innovation need more the persistent spirit of scientists.

Serving the nation is the lifelong faith

When talking about his experience in the University of Maryland, Professor He Xianshi said emotionally, “We should always remember that we are Chinese and the Chinese people have ambitions and abilities. Our intelligence is the same as those in other nations. Though we admit that US exceeds China in terms of research conditions, technologies and innovation capacity, and though sci-tech development in Europe is also flourishing, I still chose to go back to China because I realized the sci-tech plays an important role in promoting the prosperity and power of China”. “China occupies the most important position in all of us. No matter where we are, we will work hard for the nation and make contributions to her progress, development, prosperity and strength.”

Professor He Xianshi’s life sharing won great applause from the audience in SUSTC. In the Q&A part, Professor He answered questions one by one. He also expressed his encouragement and expectations for the exploration and diligence of SUSTC students.