Biography of Professor Tsung-Dao Lee

Professor Tsung-Dao Lee was a pioneering physicist whose groundbreaking work has left an indelible mark on multiple fields, including quantum field theory, particle physics, nuclear physics, statistical mechanics, fluid dynamics, and astrophysics. In 1956, in collaboration with Chen-Ning Yang, he proposed the theory of parity non-conservation in weak interactions, fundamentally altering our understanding of symmetry in the physical world. This revolutionary discovery opened new avenues for exploring the microscopic world and significantly advanced the field of physics, earning them the 1957 Nobel Prize in Physics.

Throughout his illustrious career, Professor Lee made significant contributions across a wide spectrum of scientific disciplines. His outstanding achievements were recognized globally, leading to his election as a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), and Italy's Accademia Nazionale delle Scienze (National Academy of Sciences). In 1994, he was among the first to be elected as a Foreign Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Professor Lee maintained a strong connection to his homeland. Starting in 1972, he made numerous visits to China, delivering lectures and sharing his expertise. Over more than four decades, he tirelessly worked to advance China's scientific and educational endeavors, foster international collaboration, and nurture young scientific talent. His efforts have had a lasting impact on the scientific landscape globally as well as in China.

In the early 1980s, Professor Lee initiated and founded the China-U.S. Physics Examination and Application (CUSPEA) program, which trained 915 Ph.D. students, contributing significantly to the development of young Chinese physicists. He later advocated for the establishment of a flexible Chinese Postdoctoral program as well as the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, and acted as the advisor of the National Postdoctoral Management Committee and the honorary chairman of the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation. His recommendations also led to the creation of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, which has profoundly influenced the advancement of basic science in the country.

Professor Lee also played a pivotal role in the development of high-energy physics in China. Under his guidance, dozens of Chinese scholars were sent to the United States and Europe for training, many of whom later became key figures in the construction of the Beijing Electron Positron Collider (BEPC) , Beijing Spectrometer (BES), and other significant high-energy physics research initiatives. His relentless efforts helped facilitate U.S.-China collaboration in high-energy physics, ensuring crucial support from the U.S. for the proposal, design and construction of the BEPC project, which was completed on schedule in 1988. Professor Lee continued to advocate for and support the upgrades to the BEPC, making it one of the world’s most advanced experimental facilities in tau-charm physics. Additionally, he contributed to the planning and construction of the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (SSRF), the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS), and the initiation of China Accelerator School, where he played an instrumental role in training young scientific talents for SSRF.

To inspire young students, Professor Lee supported the establishment of the Tsung-Dao Lee Lectureship Funds in Jiangsu and Gansu provinces. In 1997, he and his family established the Hui-Chun Chin and Tsung-Dao Lee Chinese Undergraduate Research Endowment (CURE), using their personal savings to support outstanding undergraduates from Peking University, Fudan University, Lanzhou University, Soochow University, Tsing Hua University in Taiwan, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Over the past 20 years, this Endowment has supported over 4,000 “Hui-Chun Chin and Tsung-Dao Lee Scholars," enabling them to engage in interdisciplinary scientific research, interact with leading scientists, and develop a deep passion for science.

Professor Lee’s unwavering commitment to advancing education and ensuring the continuity of scientific excellence in China has left a lasting legacy. In December 2014, he proposed to the heads of the country the creation of a world-class research institute at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, benchmarking Denmark’s Niels Bohr Institute. His vision was to attract top scientists from around the world, foster an environment of academic freedom, and nurture China’s own leading scientists, driving significant advancements in physics and related fields. His proposal was met with strong support, leading to the establishment of the Tsung-Dao Lee Institute (TDLI) at Shanghai Jiao Tong University on November 28, 2016. On April 7, 2018, Professor Lee was appointed as the Honorary Director of TDLI. He remained deeply involved in the Institute’s development, offering constructive guidance and working tirelessly to enhance its international impact.

Education

Work Experience

Honors and Awards