News

‌July 31, 2023, Jinan

Shandong Institute of Advanced Technology (SDIAT) hosted a distinguished academic lecture titled "My Journey in Modern Physics and Personal Reflections" by Nobel Laureate in Physics, MIT professor, and renowned Chinese-American physicist ‌Prof. Samuel C.C. Ting‌, who also serves as Honorary Dean of SDIAT. The event, organized by the Shandong Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), drew widespread attention from the scientific community.

Lin Cheng‌, Vice Chairman of the Shandong Provincial CPPCC Committee and Dean of SDIAT, presided over the lecture, delivering a heartfelt welcome address. In his remarks, Cheng hailed Ting’s groundbreaking contributions to particle physics, noting, “Prof. Ting’s work has profoundly inspired generations of Chinese researchers to pursue scientific excellence and global collaboration. If our generation is the ‘beneficiary’ of this era, Prof. Ting is undoubtedly its ‘trailblazer.’ We pay tribute not only to his legacy but also to the spirit of science itself.”‌

During his lecture, Prof. Ting shared six pivotal lessons drawn from his decades-long career in high-energy physics. His advice to young scholars included:

Question authority‌: “Never blindly follow ‘expert’ conclusions without verification.”

Precision matters‌: “For experimental physicists, designing instruments capable of multifunctional, ultra-precise measurements is paramount.”

Courage in curiosity‌: “Basic research demands confidence. Pursue what you believe is right—scientific progress often hinges on the minority challenging the majority.”

Embrace the unexpected‌: “Always prepare for surprises; some of physics’ greatest discoveries emerged from anomalies.”

Global collaboration‌: “International projects must focus on scientifically transformative goals that ignite passion across nations. Prioritize recognition for major contributors to ensure sustained governmental support.”

Ting candidly reflected on skepticism he faced throughout his career, with critics often dismissing his experiments as “physically insignificant” or “technically unfeasible.” Yet, by pioneering novel methodologies, his work consistently redefined humanity’s understanding of the universe. He also highlighted the indispensable role of Chinese scientists in his collaborations over the past 50 years.

Prof. Ting commended SDIAT’s critical contributions to the AMS project, particularly its recent advancements in cosmic ray research. His lecture, blending profound insights with humble humor, captivated the audience, earning repeated waves of enthusiastic applause. The event concluded with an interactive session where Ting fielded questions from aspiring researchers, further showcasing his dedication to nurturing future scientific leaders.

This lecture not only celebrated Ting’s legendary career but also reinforced SDIAT’s growing influence as a hub for cutting-edge scientific inquiry and international cooperation.

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