CAST inaugurates special exhibition to commemorate 100th anniversary of Zhu Guangya's birth

On December 24, 2024, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Zhu Guangya, a pivotal figure in China's nuclear science industry and a recipient of the "Two Bombs and One Satellite" Merit Medal, the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) inaugurated the "Wishing for a lifetime to achieve one thing--commemorating the 100th anniversary of Zhu Guangya's birth special exhibition" at the National Museum for Modern Chinese Scientist located at the National Communication Center for Science and Technology (NCCST).

Zhu also served as the President of the 4th National Committee of the CAST and the event was marked by the release of his manuscript collection, Introduction to atomic nuclear physics.

The China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) inaugurates the "Wishing for a lifetime to achieve one thing--commemorating the 100th anniversary of Zhu Guangya's birth special exhibition" at the National Museum for Modern Chinese Scientist located at the National Communication Center for Science and Technology (NCCST) on December 24, 2024.

Credit to: Zou Bingyang

The exhibition, which captivated its audience, is segmented into 4 thematic parts: "Devotion to his motherland," "Overcoming challenges," "Scaling new heights," and "A master of nuclear science." It meticulously recreates the illustrious life of Zhu through 178 historical photographs and 47 precious objects.

Many valuable manuscripts are being exhibited for the first time, including all of Zhu's academic records from the University of Michigan, over 100 pages of his doctoral thesis, and relevant reports on Zhu in the Michigan Daily.

Zhu Guangya's eldest son, Zhu Mingyuan, shared his personal insights at the exhibition, stating that his father had a significant influence among Chinese students studying abroad in the United States. Zhu Guangya organized club activities to introduce the positive developments in China, guide students to understand the Communist Party of China (CPC), and inspire patriotic fervor.

Zhu Mingyuan, Zhu Guangya's eldest son pays a visit to the special exhibition to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Zhu Guangya's birth

at the National Museum for Modern Chinese Scientist located at the National Communication Center for Science and Technology (NCCST).

Credit to: Gao Yali

Zhu Mingyuan recalled his father as a man indifferent to fame and fortune. He reminisced about two rare occasions when his father voluntarily requested to drink, which coincided with his resignation from administrative positions to focus more on research work.

In 1978, with the resumption of the college entrance examination, Zhu Mingyuan, who had neglected his studies for a decade and only had a basic elementary school education, decided to take the exam. This meant he had to complete 6 years of junior middle and senior high school courses in a short period. Despite the immense challenge, his father's inspiration, particularly in mathematics and physics, motivated him to review. After a year of diligent study, Zhu Mingyuan succeeded in catching up on the 6 years of coursework.

When it came to choosing a major, Zhu Mingyuan initially wanted to study physics but was dissuaded by his father. Zhu Guangya gave him physics problems to solve, using them to illustrate the depth of understanding required in the field. Eventually, Zhu Guangya suggested that his son should learn computer software, and Zhu Mingyuan became one of the first undergraduate students majoring in software in China.

Zhu Mingyuan, who often gives science popularization lectures, expressed his hope that through his efforts, more children can understand science and the Spirit of Chinese Scientists. He mentioned that Introduction to atomic nuclear physics was intended to be a 12-chapter book, but after completing 8 chapters, Zhu Guangya was transferred to a new position and did not have the time or opportunity to finish the book. Zhu Mingyuan hopes that young researchers, especially nuclear physicists, can continue this work and integrate current knowledge into it.

The exhibition site also features an interactive experience area, with some exhibits presented as replicas outside of display cases for the audience to browse, allowing them to experience Zhu Guangya's warm, simple, and unassuming scientific style up close.

The special exhibition offers an online entrance to visitors, please click the following link to start your cloud tour: https://www.720yun.com/vr/f7dj50ya5n8

(With input from CAST portfolio)

Source: China Science Daily