On September 12, the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Wang Yening, a renowned physicist, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and professor of Nanjing University's School of Physics, was held at the Tang Zhongying Building at the Gulou Campus of NJU. Academicians Zhang Shuyi, Xing Dingyu, and Zhu Shining from NJU' School of Physics, Academician Shi Yi from NJU's School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Li Bin, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC NJU Committee and Vice President of NJU, as well as Ms. Lin Lin, a relative of Wang Yening, attended the event.
Jiang Shusheng, former Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, former Chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League, and former President of NJU, sent a letter to express his respect. In his letter, Jiang Shusheng stated that Prof. Wang Yening made significant contributions to the field of solid-state physics and greatly aided the development of the School of Physics at NJU as well as the National Laboratory of Solid-State Microstructures. While we deeply remember Prof. Wang, we should also strive to perpetuate his spirit of rigorous inquiry and dedication, making further contributions to the development of academic disciplines and the advancement of laboratories to higher levels.
In his speech, Li Bin mentioned that Prof. Wang Yening was nurtured by and dedicated herself to NJU, embodying the profound scientific tradition of NJU. With perseverance and determination, Prof. Wang made bold advancements, from developing China's first acousto-optic Q-switched YAG laser to proposing the internationally acclaimed "Wang Model" and "Wang's Law." She achieved a series of original results in the study of metal physics and internal friction and designed the world's first instrument capable of simultaneously measuring internal friction and observing ferroelectric domain structures, marking an independent scientific research path for Chinese scholars. Li Bin emphasized that Prof.Wang Yening nurtured countless outstanding talents in physics, and her spirit and character continue to inspire generations of physicists at NJU to forge ahead.
At the meeting, Professor Zhu Jinsong from the School of Physics introduced Mr. Wang Yening's life and academic achievements. Born in 1926 in Anqing, Anhui Province, Mr. Wang graduated in 1949 from the Department of Physics of Central University, the predecessor of Nanjing University. She remained as a faculty member at her alma mater in 1950, established the first internal friction laboratory for metal physics in 1954, was elected an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 1991, and passed away in 2019 at the age of 93. Professor Zhu mentioned that Mr. Wang Yening was an outstanding representative in the field of condensed matter physics and internal friction research in China. Throughout her life, Prof. Wang published over 300 academic papers and coauthored China's first "Metal Physics" book with Academician Feng Duan and Professor Qiu Dirong. She received several awards, including the State Natural Science Award (Second Prize) and the Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress.
Through a video message, Mr. Wang Yening's son, Mr. Lin Qi, expressed his deep sorrow and remembrance. He emotionally recalled the many moments of his mother's life, emphasizing her basic respect and care for people across all walks of life, her simple yet profound love for others, and her readiness to offer help—a noble character worth learning. He also expressed gratitude for the boundless love and care she showed toward her family in daily life, as well as her resilience and optimism in facing difficulties. He stated that her spirit and character will forever inspire her family to move forward.
Academician Xing Dingyu reminisced about the deep friendship he had with Prof. Wang Yening. He remarked that she had provided him with invaluable guidance and care in academic research as well as in the development of the key national laboratory—from discussing experimental techniques to navigating academic directions. Prof. Wang was always willing to share knowledge wholeheartedly, having a profound impact on his personal growth. Xing Dingyu sighed with emotion that Prof. Wang's rigorous scholarship and modesty, along with her devoted mentorship of students, served as an eternal example for young scholars to follow.
Academician Zhu Shining fondly recalled his teacher-student bond with Prof. Wang Yening. He emphasized that Wang had chaired his master's thesis defense committee and continued to provide him with assistance and guidance in scientific research and work. He noted that Prof. Wang's rigorous scientific attitude and dedication would remain a lifelong example.
Academician Shi Yi recounted his interactions with Prof. Wang Yening during his speech. He described her as an outstanding female scientist who made significant contributions to the advancement of physics and materials science in China. Shi especially mentioned Prof. Wang's deep academic friendship with esteemed scientists such as Cheng Kaijia, Feng Duan, and Min Naiben. Even in her later years, despite suffering from illness, Mr. Wang maintained a deep concern for the development of physics at Nanjing University and frequently inquired about its progress. He called on the academic community to inherit Mr. Wang's scientific spirit and continue making efforts in research to meet her expectations.
Dr. Su Dong, a researcher at the Institute of Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and former student of Prof. Wang Yening, delivered a speech. He recalled his years of studying under Prof. Wang at NJU, emphasizing her meticulous and in-depth approach to research. She never took shortcuts, always adhered to a step-by-step approach, and insisted on thorough verification. Her approach of probing deeply into the core and essence of academic questions was deeply admirable. Dr. Su also recalled the warmth and kindness Prof. Wang showed during their interactions, stating that he would always remember her teachings and strive to carry forward her rigorous scholarly spirit.
Following the commemoration, an academic seminar was held where attending experts and scholars exchanged ideas and discussions on related research fields.
The meeting was hosted by Ju Yan, Party Secretary of the School of Physics. Over 100 attendees participated in the commemoration activities, including representatives and colleagues from NJU's Human Resources Department, the Office of Science and Technology, and the Academician Affairs Office, as well as Mr. Wang's disciples, close friends, and representatives of teachers and students.
