Celebrating 100 years of physics at Tsinghua University

Tsinghua University, one of China's most prestigious institutions of higher learning, is celebrating a century of groundbreaking contributions to the field of physics. Established in 1911, the university has been at the forefront of academic and scientific advancements, particularly in the realm of physics. As the world marks this significant milestone, the institution looks back on its rich history and forward to its future ambitions.

Wenhui Duan, a distinguished physicist and faculty member at Tsinghua University, reflects on his own journey within the university's physics department. Duan began his academic path at Tsinghua in 1981, where he earned a bachelor's and master's degree before going on to complete his PhD in 1992. After a brief stint as a postdoctoral researcher at the Central Iron & Steel Research Institute in Beijing, Duan returned to Tsinghua in 1994, where he has since made significant contributions to the field of theoretical computational physics.

Duan's career has been marked by a deep commitment to understanding and predicting the physical properties of materials at the microscopic level. He has conducted research on a wide range of topics, from the quantum spin Hall effect in two-dimensional systems to the exploration of topological semimetals. Additionally, his work has focused on the electronic structure, magnetic properties, and optical responses of low-dimensional systems such as graphene and two-dimensional magnetic materials. One notable achievement of his team was the discovery of a novel spin chirality-driven nonlinear optical effect in a 2D magnetic material.

Duan's research has not been limited to China. During his tenure at Tsinghua, he undertook two research visits abroad. The first was at the University of Minnesota from 1996 to 1999, and the second at the University of California, Berkeley from 2002 to 2003. These experiences have enriched his understanding of the global landscape of physics and allowed him to collaborate with international colleagues.

In recent years, Duan and his team have embraced the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with computational materials science. This pioneering effort aims to enhance the predictive capabilities of theoretical models and accelerate the discovery of new materials with desirable properties. By combining the power of AI with traditional computational methods, researchers are able to explore vast solution spaces more efficiently and identify promising candidates for further study.

Tsinghua University's commitment to physics extends beyond individual researchers like Duan. The institution has consistently invested in state-of-the-art facilities and fostering a culture of innovation. Over the past century, it has nurtured a generation of physicists who have made significant contributions to the field, both in China and around the world.

Looking ahead, Tsinghua University is eager to continue its legacy of excellence in physics. With a focus on interdisciplinary research and collaboration, the university aims to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from energy sustainability to quantum computing. As the world celebrates a century of physics at Tsinghua, it is clear that the institution's influence will continue to resonate in the years to come.

In conclusion, Tsinghua University's centenary of physics is a testament to the enduring power of academic excellence and scientific inquiry. From the groundbreaking work of researchers like Wenhui Duan to the university's unwavering commitment to innovation, the institution remains a beacon of progress in the world of physics. As we look to the future, Tsinghua's legacy serves as a reminder of the potential for human knowledge and the importance of nurturing the next generation of physicists.