Eminent scholars and outstanding young students from China and abroad fill its halls. This is the School of Physics, Peking University. Founded in 1913 as the “WuLi Men” it marked a milestone. It showed Peking University’s commitment to physical sciences.
In 1919, it was renamed the Department of Physics. A reorganization in 1952 merged physics departments. Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Yenching University combined. This created a premier center for physics in China. The School of Physics emerged in 2001. It embraced traditional fields and related physical sciences.
Today, the School encompasses Physics, Astronomy, and Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences. Nuclear Science and Technology are included. Eleven divisions and seven research institutes thrive here. They include the State Key Laboratory for Artificial Microstructure. They also have the Mesoscopic Physics and the State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Physics and Technology.
Peking University’s Physics Department has a rich history. During the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, something special happened. Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Nankai University merged. They formed Changsha Temporary University. Later, they became National Southwestern Associated University in Kunming. Despite the war, the Physics Department graduated prominent figures. Nobel laureate Tsung-Dao Lee studied here. So did Chen-Ning Yang and Kun Huang.
In 2001, a significant merger formed the current School of Physics. The Department of Physics joined forces. They merged with nuclear physics. They incorporated programs from Technical Physics, the Institute of Heavy Ion Physics. They also included atmospheric physics and meteorology. The Department of Astronomy completed the union.
The School of Physics has about 300 faculty and staff. Among them are 21 Academicians. They represent the Chinese Academy of Sciences. There are 14 “Cheung Kong” Scholars. Also, 38 National Distinguished Young Scholars contribute. Seven innovative research groups thrive. They are sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
The School of Physics grants various degrees. You can earn a Bachelor of Science. Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are available. Annually, the School admits around 200 undergraduates. It also accepts 200 graduate students. Many undergraduates pursue advanced studies. About a third attend leading international universities.
The School of Physics emphasizes teaching excellence. Faculty members have received numerous awards. They have one grand and four first-class National Teaching Awards. They also won five second-class awards. More than 30 teaching awards at provincial and ministerial levels have been given. Since 1991, scholars have published over one hundred textbooks.
Research at the School of Physics is diverse. It spans fundamental physics frontiers. It also includes advanced technology innovation. The School leads regional, national, and international programs. Research areas include high energy physics and astrophysics. Cosmology and radioactive nuclear physics are studied. They explore high energy-density physics. Key technologies for advanced light sources thrive. Particle beams and their interactions are investigated. Mesoscopic semiconductor light emission and laser physics are researched.
International collaboration is a priority. Faculty members serve on international committees. They also act as editors for leading journals. Peking University engages in collaborations. They participate in the LHC-CMS project. They work with RIKEN and KEK in Japan. They partner with GSI and DESY in Germany. They cooperate with JLab and ANL in the United States. The School organizes conferences, summer schools, and seminars.
The School of Physics extends a warm welcome. It invites scholars and students to join its ranks. Its centennial lecture series stimulates intellectual debates. It strengthens collaborations and promotes advancements. As you stand here, consider the future contributions. The Peking University School of Physics will continue to impact the world.