Early Life and Education
Chen Ning Yang, a pioneering figure in theoretical physics, was born on September 22, 1922, in Hefei, Anhui Province, China. Raised in an academic environment—his father, Yang Ko-Chuen, was a mathematics professor at Tsinghua University—Yang developed an early interest in science. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the National Southwestern Associated University in 1942 and a master’s degree from Tsinghua University in 1944. In 1946, Yang moved to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Chicago under the mentorship of Enrico Fermi, completing his doctorate in 1948.
Groundbreaking Contributions to Physics
Yang’s work has profoundly influenced modern physics. In 1957, he and Tsung-Dao Lee were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their research on parity violation in weak interactions, challenging the previously held belief that physical processes are symmetrical. This discovery reshaped the understanding of fundamental particle interactions.
In collaboration with Robert Mills in 1954, Yang developed the Yang-Mills theory, a cornerstone in the field of gauge theory, which has become integral to the Standard Model of particle physics.
Academic Career and Legacy
After his doctoral studies, Yang joined the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, where he worked alongside luminaries such as Albert Einstein and J. Robert Oppenheimer. He later served as a professor at Stony Brook University and held positions at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Tsinghua University. Throughout his career, Yang was dedicated to fostering scientific talent and promoting international academic collaboration.
Personal Life and Citizenship
Yang became a U.S. citizen in 1964, a decision he described as “painful” due to familial and cultural ties. In 2015, he renounced his U.S. citizenship and reclaimed Chinese nationality, expressing gratitude for the opportunities provided by the U.S. while reaffirming his connection to Chinese heritage.
Passing and Tributes
Chen Ning Yang passed away on October 18, 2025, in Beijing at the age of 103. Tsinghua University announced his death, highlighting his monumental contributions to physics and his role in advancing scientific education in China.
Yang’s legacy endures through his groundbreaking research, his mentorship of future scientists, and his efforts to bridge scientific communities across the globe.
