Peking University

　　    Peking University (Peking University), founded in 1898 as the Imperial University of Peking, was the first university established by the central government of China and marks the official beginning of modern universities in China. Its establishment signified the start of modern higher education in China and pioneered the modern academic system. From its inception, Peking University was China’s highest institution of learning and also the country’s top educational authority at the time, performing the functions of what would become the Ministry of Education, overseeing national education. It carries on the academic legacy of China's millennia-old highest institution—the Imperial Academy (“Taixue”)—and is the modern continuation of that ancient pinnacle of learning. Since its founding, it has enjoyed an esteemed reputation. Some describe its historical significance as “inheriting the orthodoxy of the Taixue while establishing the foundation of the modern university.”

　　    As the center of the New Culture Movement and the birthplace of the May Fourth Movement, as the earliest cradle of Marxism and the dissemination of democratic and scientific thought in China, and as the earliest base of Communist activities in China, Peking University has made irreplaceable contributions to national rejuvenation and liberation, state construction and development, and social civilization and progress. It played a vital pioneering role in China’s march toward modernization. The traditional spirit of patriotism, progress, democracy, and science, along with the academic ethos of diligence, rigor, pragmatism, and innovation, continues to thrive here, passed down from generation to generation.

　　    In 1917, the renowned educator and democratic revolutionary Cai Yuanpei became the president of Peking University. Guided by the principles of “freedom of thought” and “inclusiveness,” he brought about an intellectual liberation and flourishing of scholarship at the university, ushering in rapid progress. Eminent figures such as Chen Duxiu, Li Dazhao, Mao Zedong, Lu Xun, and Hu Shi served or taught at Peking University.

　　    After the Marco Polo Bridge Incident in 1937, Peking University, together with Tsinghua University and Nankai University, relocated to Changsha and jointly formed the Changsha Temporary University. In early 1938, the temporary university moved to Kunming and was renamed National Southwestern Associated University. The Southwest Associated University brought together the elite of the three institutions, preserving the lifeblood of Chinese education with an unyielding spirit. After the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, Peking University returned to its home campus and officially reopened in October 1946.

　　    After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, a nationwide restructuring of university departments took place in 1952, transforming Peking University into a comprehensive university focused on liberal arts and science teaching and research. It has since trained a large number of talented individuals. According to incomplete statistics, nearly 400 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering are alumni or faculty members of Peking University. Many influential figures in China’s humanities and social sciences also come from Peking University, which has produced a number of significant research achievements.

　　    Since the reform and opening up, Peking University has entered an unprecedented new era of major development and construction, becoming one of the two key universities under the national “211 Project.”

　　    On May 4, 1998, during the centennial celebration of Peking University, President Jiang Zemin inscribed: “Carry forward Peking University’s fine traditions of patriotism, progress, democracy, and science, and make greater contributions to the rejuvenation of China.” He also delivered a speech at the centennial celebration, calling for “China to develop a number of world-class universities with advanced standards to achieve modernization.” With national support, Peking University promptly launched the “Plan to Build a World-Class University,” thus opening a new chapter in its history.

　　    On April 3, 2000, Peking University merged with the former Beijing Medical University to form the new Peking University. (The former Beijing Medical University originated from the National Beijing Medical College, founded on October 26, 1912. In the 1930s and 1940s, the school was briefly known as the Peking University Medical College, and rejoined Peking University in July 1946. In 1952, during the national restructuring of university departments, Peking University’s Medical College split from the university and became an independent Beijing Medical College. It became one of the first key medical universities supported under the national “211 Project” in 1985.)

　　    Current Status of Peking University

　　    Peking University is located in the western suburbs of Beijing, covering an area of 2,707,853 square meters (4,062 mu). The university currently has 16,073 faculty and staff members, and 29,617 students enrolled in various programs. It offers 199 doctoral programs, 221 master’s programs, 100 undergraduate majors, and 35 postdoctoral research stations covering 139 disciplines. Peking University ranks first among Chinese universities in the number of professors, doctoral advisors, CAS academicians, key national disciplines, and key national laboratories. The current university party secretary is Professor Min Weifang, and the president is Academician Xu Zhihong.

　　    This is a sacred land. For over a century, generations of China’s finest scholars have been nurtured here. Their profound knowledge, brilliant intellect, and solemn, independent thinking, combined with a commitment to national concern, moral integrity, and a fearless spirit of resistance, form a unique spiritual charm.

　　    This is a land of freedom. From the late 19th century to the present, the struggles and aspirations of Chinese society over more than a hundred years have been gathered and reflected here. Generation after generation of Chinese scholars have looked out to the world from this place, spreading the seeds of civilization across this vast land with a resolute, tenacious, and almost self-sacrificing spirit. Democracy and science have become the immortal soul of this institution.

　　    The university effectively combines the cultivation of high-level professionals needed for socialist modernization with cutting-edge research. While continuing to strengthen and develop foundational disciplines, it focuses on applied, interdisciplinary, and emerging disciplines essential for economic development, technological progress, and social advancement. This makes Peking University a new type of comprehensive university offering a range of disciplines—including natural sciences, technological sciences, social sciences, humanities, management sciences, educational sciences, linguistic sciences, medical sciences, and emerging engineering sciences—and integrating talent development, scientific research, and social services.

　　    The university currently has schools of Mathematical Sciences, Life Sciences, Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Marxism, Government, International Relations, Economics, Guanghua School of Management, Foreign Languages, Law, Education, Physics, Journalism and Communication, Capital Development Research Institute, Software, Earth and Space Sciences, Continuing Education, Applied Liberal Arts, Adult Education, Environmental Science, Engineering, and Arts, as well as departments of Geophysics, Technical Physics, Electronics, Computer Science and Technology, Geology, Urban and Environmental Studies, Psychology, Chinese Language and Literature, History, Archaeology, Philosophy (Religious Studies), and Information Management, and Sociology. There are 96 undergraduate programs, 198 master’s programs, 174 doctoral programs, and a total of 39,533 students.

　　    Peking University currently has 1,129 professors (including 987 doctoral advisors) and 1,461 associate professors. Among them are 46 members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 members of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, 8 members of the Third World Academy of Sciences, 11 chief scientists of the “973 Project,” 51 Changjiang Scholars Distinguished Professors. The number of academicians, “973 Project” chief scientists, professors, doctoral advisors, Changjiang Scholars, and key national disciplines and laboratories at Peking University all rank first among Chinese higher education institutions.

　　    Peking University Library houses 5.61 million volumes and is one of the largest and most comprehensive academic libraries in China. The library complex covers a total area of 62,000 square meters, with over 4,000 reading seats and a collection capacity of up to 6.5 million volumes, making it the largest university library in Asia. The Sackler Museum of Art and Archaeology at the university is the largest of its kind among Chinese universities, housing tens of thousands of precious cultural relics that reflect 5,000 years of Chinese civilization.

　　    In recent years, Peking University has vigorously promoted teaching reforms. Following the guideline of “strengthening the foundation, de-emphasizing specialization, teaching students according to their aptitude, and diverting them into appropriate tracks,” it has revised the teaching plan, reinforced foundational instruction, updated course content, and emphasized the cultivation of student innovation and creativity. In terms of teaching management, a credit system has been implemented, the proportion of elective courses increased, and students are encouraged to take courses across disciplines, pursue minors or second bachelor’s degrees. Students who complete required credits ahead of schedule may graduate early, and outstanding graduates are recommended for exemption from entrance exams for master’s or doctoral programs. In extracurricular time, the university also fosters a rich campus culture, enhances after-class learning and practical activities, and cultivates students’ sentiments.

　　    The university also engages in extensive international exchanges and cooperation, having established inter-university ties with more than 200 institutions in over 40 countries and regions. Students at Peking University will not drop out or have their studies affected due to financial hardship. To ensure economically disadvantaged students can successfully complete their studies, Peking University has established a “Financial Aid System for Needy Students,” including channels such as student loans, work-study programs, tuition reduction or exemption, loans, temporary hardship subsidies, grants, and scholarships. Student loans and work-study will serve as the primary means of support, supplemented by other programs.

　　    Peking University boasts a strong faculty, composed of both eminent scholars and rising academic stars, creating a unique scholarly landscape. The number of CAS academicians at Peking University has reached 46, and that of CAE academicians 7. In the “973 Project,” 11 Peking University professors serve as chief scientists, making it the domestic institution with the most chief scientists and sub-project undertakings in the “973 Project.” In the fourth batch of the “Changjiang Scholars Incentive Program” announced at the end of 2001, 15 Peking University faculty were appointed as distinguished professors, and one as a chair professor. By the end of 2001, Peking University had 51 Changjiang Scholars. The faculty is growing younger. As of 2001, 58 young scholars at Peking University had received the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, the highest number among Chinese universities; 8 received overseas collaborative research grants for young scholars. The average age of professors is 53, associate professors 42, and the youngest professor is only 33. There are over 200 professors under 42. Each year, a large number of renowned overseas scholars are invited to lecture at Peking University. In 2001 alone, there were 64 long-term foreign teachers and 274 short-term ones, many of whom had taught at world-renowned institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and Cambridge. Many world-famous scholars also give lectures at Peking University. In 2001, eight Nobel laureates, including French Nobel Chemistry Prize winner Jean-Marie Lehn, held lectures at the university. In national and Beijing municipal teaching achievement award evaluations, Peking University won 1 national special prize, 5 first prizes, 18 second prizes, 31 first prizes and 22 second prizes at the municipal level. The number and level of awards rank first among Chinese universities, fully reflecting the strength and quality of its teaching. In the third “Young Teachers Award” by the Ministry of Education, four Peking University faculty—Chen Dayue, Liu Bin, Liu Yuxin, and Wang Pulü—were selected.

　　    Peking University is an academic temple and the cradle of scientists and scholars. From the proposal of the “New Population Theory,” to the first complete artificial synthesis of insulin; from the design of China’s first million-computation electronic digital computer, to the revolution in Chinese character information processing and printing; from the translation of the Indian epic “Ramayana,” to the study on the stability of differential dynamical systems winning the National Natural Science First Prize, Peking University has forged a path of striving forward. In 2000, the “Changjiang Scholar” research group led by Peng Lianmao at Peking University’s Nanocenter discovered single-walled carbon nanotubes at the 0.33 nm level, breaking the theoretical limit set by Japanese scientists. This achievement, along with Peking University’s research on key technologies for national spatial information infrastructure, were both selected as part of the 2000 “Top Ten Scientific and Technological Advances in Chinese Universities.” Peking University was the only institution with two achievements selected.

　　    Peking University’s Disciplinary Strengths

　　    Peking University has 98 research institutes, 126 research centers, 2 national-level engineering research centers, 81 key national disciplines, and has established 15 key (specialized) national laboratories.

　　    Key National Disciplines (81): Chinese Linguistics and Philology, Chinese Ancient Literature, Chinese Modern and Contemporary Literature, Chinese Classical Philology, Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, Comparative Literature and World Literature, Chinese Philosophy, Foreign Philosophy, Aesthetics, Marxist Philosophy, World History, Chinese Ancient History, Archaeology and Museology, English Language and Literature, Indian Languages and Literatures, Legal Theory, Constitutional Law and Administrative Law, Criminal Law, Economic Law, Political Theory, International Politics, Scientific Socialism and the International Communist Movement, Political Economy, National Economics, Sociology, Anthropology, Educational Economics and Management, Library Science, Basic Psychology, Pure Mathematics, Computational Mathematics, Probability Theory and Mathematical Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Theoretical Physics, Particle Physics and Nuclear Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Optics, Astrophysics, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry and Physics, Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Physiology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Neurobiology, Physical Geography, Human Geography, Environmental Science, Atmospheric Physics and Atmospheric Environment, Meteorology, Solid Earth Physics, Structural Geology, Solid Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, General Mechanics and Mechanics Foundations, Microelectronics and Solid-State Electronics, Physical Electronics, Communications and Information Systems, Computer Software and Theory, Computer Application Technology, Nuclear Technology and Applications, Immunology, Pathology and Pathophysiology, Internal Medicine (Cardiovascular Diseases, Hematology), Dermatology and Venereology, Pediatrics, Surgery (Orthopedic Surgery, Urology), Stomatology Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Pharmacology, Psychiatry and Mental Health, Sports Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ophthalmology, Oncology.

　　    Key (Specialized) National Laboratories (15): Visual and Auditory Information Processing, Protein Engineering and Plant Genetic Engineering, Molecular Dynamics and Stable-State Structure, Membranes and Membrane Engineering, Artificial Microstructures and Mesoscopic Physics, Heavy Rain Measurement and Forecasting, Rare Earth Material Chemistry and Applications, Turbulence Research, Regional Fiber Optic Communication Networks and New Optical Communication Systems, Text Information Processing, Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Bio-Organic Molecular Engineering, Quaternary Geochronology, Electron Optics and Electron Microscopy, Micrometer/Nanometer Processing Technology.

　　    Postdoctoral Research Stations (30): Physics, Mechanics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Biology, Astronomy, Geography, Geology, Geophysics, Computer Science and Technology, Electronic Science and Technology, Information and Communication Engineering, Nuclear Science and Technology, Environmental Science and Engineering, Philosophy, Theoretical Economics, Applied Economics, Business Administration, Sociology, History, Law, Chinese Language and Literature, Foreign Language and Literature, Basic Medicine, Stomatology, Pharmacy, Biology (Medical School), Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Clinical Medicine.

　　    Peking University is China’s strongest university in science disciplines.

　　Peking University has nurtured numerous talents, especially excelling in science, where it leads all Chinese universities. In key indicators such as academician elections and award recognitions, Peking University consistently ranks at the top among higher education institutions nationwide.

　　I. Elected Academicians

　　Between 2001 and 2005, nine professors from Peking University were elected as academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), including Professors Tian Gang and Wang Shichun from the School of Mathematical Sciences, Professor Zhao Guangda and Qin Guogang from the School of Physics, Professor Huang Chunhui from the College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Professor Tu Chuanyi from the School of Earth and Space Sciences, Professor Fang Jingyun from the College of Environmental Sciences, Professor Huang Lin from the College of Engineering, and Professor Tong Tanjun from the Health Science Center. Also elected during the same period were 19 Peking University alumni: Zhou Youyuan, Wang Chenghao, Ye Zhaohui, Shi Yaolin, Wang Ying, Gao Yuchen, Liu Baoyong, Xia Jianbai, Kuang Yuping, Xie Sishen, Lu Jian, Dai Qizheng, Ma Shijun, Liu Shenliang, Wu Yangjie, Wang Dingsheng, Chen Hesheng, and Lü Daren. The title of CAS Academician is China’s highest academic honor awarded for outstanding contributions to science and technology, and it is granted for life.

　　During the same period, Professor Zhuang Hui from the Health Science Center and Professor He Xinguo, Dean of the School of Information Science, were elected as academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE). Also elected were nine Peking University alumni: Feng Peide, Tang Xican, Sun Chengwei, Gong Zhiben, Li Lianda, Liu Changxiao, Liu Yunjie, Ding Yihui, and Chen Junshi. The CAE Academician title is China’s highest academic honor for outstanding contributions to engineering technology and management, also granted for life.

　　Between 2001 and 2005, Professors Chen Jiahua from the School of Physics, Han Qide from the Health Science Center, Wen Lan from the School of Mathematical Sciences, and Justin Yifu Lin from the China Center for Economic Research were elected as academicians of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) for the advancement of science in developing countries. Also elected were seven Peking University alumni: Li Guojie, Xu Shaoxi, Ai Guoxiang, Xian Dingchang, Xie Sishen, Xu Zhizhan, and Shi Yaolin. To date, 34 Peking University students have been elected as TWAS academicians, accounting for over a quarter of all mainland Chinese TWAS academicians. TWAS academians are elected from academies, universities, research institutions in developing countries, as well as scientific organizations in developed countries, and all have made outstanding contributions to the scientific development of the developing world in their respective fields.

　　Peking University alumnus Shu Chien was elected as a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences in 2005, becoming one of only eight scientists in the United States to hold the triple distinction of being a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the National Academy of Medicine.

　　Professor Tian Gang from the School of Mathematical Sciences at Peking University and the Simons Professor at the Department of Mathematics, MIT

　　was elected as a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2004. Two other scholars from China were also elected that year. This marked the first time since the reform and opening-up era that a mainland Chinese student studying in the U.S. received this honor.

　　Alumnus Xu Ronglan, from the class of 1958 in the Department of Physics, was elected as an academician of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) in the Basic Science Section in 2003.

　　Professor Tsung-Dao Lee, Director of the Beijing Modern Physics Center at Peking University and Peking University alumnus, was appointed as a member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences by Pope John Paul II in 2003. Professor Lee is currently a foreign member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Accademia dei Lincei in Italy, and the Academia Sinica in Taiwan.

　　Peking University alumni Hou Chaohuan, Wang Deliang, and Jin Yaqiu were elected as IEEE Fellows (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers).

　　Peking University alumni Yang Weitao (Class of 1982, Chemistry), Li Dongqi (Class of 1985, Physics), Shen Qun (Class of 1981, Physics), Zeng Xiaocheng (Class of 1984), and Li Hui (Class of 1990, Physics) were elected as Fellows of the American Physical Society (APS). A total of 12 Peking University alumni have earned this distinction, the highest number among graduates of any university in mainland China.

　　Professor Yu Tongxi, Class of 1964 alumnus and Chair Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, was elected as a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), UK in 2003, in recognition of his significant contributions to the field of mechanical engineering.

　　Alumnus Wang Zhiyuan, Class of 1982 from the Department of Chemistry, and Professor at Carleton University in Canada, was elected as a Fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada in 2003.

　　Alumnus Xie Xiaoliang, Class of 1984 from the Department of Chemistry, was elected as a Fellow of the Biophysical Society of the United States in 2005.

　　Peking University alumni Xie Xiaoliang (Class of 1984, Chemistry) and Zhang Youxue (Class of 1982, Geological Sciences) were elected as Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in 2005.

　　Alumnus Song Feijun, Class of 1966 from the Department of Physics, was elected as a Fellow and Senior Member of the Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) in 2005.

　　II. Domestic Awards

　　In 2001, CAS Academician Wang Xuan (graduated from the Department of Computational Mathematics, Peking University in 1958) and CAS Academician Huang Kun (Class of 1945 Master's graduate from the Department of Physics) were awarded the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award. In 2003, Liu Dongsheng, CAS Academician and alumnus from the Department of Geology at the former National Southwestern Associated University (Class of 1942), received the same honor. In 2005, Ye Duzheng, CAS Academician and alumnus from the Class of 1940 at the same university, was also awarded. Adding to these, Wu Wenjun, CAS Academician (taught at Peking University from 1951–1952), received the award in 2000. To date, Peking University alumni have won the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award five times (among a total of nine recipients nationwide).

　　In 2003, Professor Shu Degan from Northwest University, an alumnus from the Department of Geological Geography at Peking University (Class of 1969), shared the First Class Prize of the National Natural Science Award with two other collaborators. Only two First Class Prizes were awarded in the National Natural Science Awards between 2001 and 2005.

　　In 2005, Zong Baoning, alumnus from the Department of Technical Physics (Class of 1985) and Deputy Chief Engineer at the Research Institute of Petroleum Processing, led the team that won the First Class Prize of the National Award for Technological Invention. Only three First Class Prizes were awarded in the National Award for Technological Invention between 2001 and 2005.

　　In 2005, CAS Academician Xu Guangxian from the School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering was awarded the Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation Prize for Scientific and Technological Achievement, becoming the second scientist from Peking University to receive this honor (and one of only six nationwide). In 2003, CAS Academician Zou Chenglu from the Department of Chemistry (Class of 1945) and Academician Wu Zhengyi (who taught at the National Southwestern Associated University) were awarded the “Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation Prize for Science and Technology Achievement.” Among the 23 recipients of this Achievement Prize (only four awarded between 2001–2005), 12 are Peking University alumni.

　　Between 2001 and 2005, ten professors from Peking University received the Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress, including Professors Duan Xuefu from the School of Mathematical Sciences, Chen Jiahua, Gan Zizhao, Yang Yingchang, Zhao Bolin from the School of Physics, Zhang Pang, Huang Chunhui from the College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Tu Chuanyi from the School of Earth and Space Sciences, Wang Yangyuan from the School of Information Science, and Feng Chuanhan from the Health Science Center. To date, Peking University has had 37 professors receive this honor, far more than any other university in China. During the same period, 26 other alumni also received the Ho Leung Ho Lee Prize for Technological Progress, including Wei Baowen (Class of 1957, Physics), Li Zechun (Class of 1965 Graduate, Geophysics), Yang Qi (Class of 1946 Master's, Geology), Gu Fangzhou (Class of 1950, Medical School), Zhang Renhe (Class of 1958, Physics), Xian Dingchang (Class of 1956, Technical Physics), Wang Shiji (Class of 1956, Technical Physics), Hui Yongzheng (Class of 1962, Chemistry), Ding Yihui (Class of 1963, Geophysics), Dai Ruowei (Class of 1955, Mathematics and Mechanics), Wang Naiyan (Class of 1956, Technical Physics), Xiong Darun (Class of 1962, Geophysics), Xiao Xuchang (Class of 1952, Geology), -chang (Class of 1949, Chemistry), Cao Xueyi (graduated from the Preventive Medicine Department of the Health Science Center), Zhong Nanshan (Class of 1960, Medical Department), Cheng Gengdong (Class of 1964, Mathematics and Mechanics), Yang Guozhen (Class of 1962, Physics), Zhang Huanqiao (Class of 1956, Physics), Chen Qingyun (Class of 1952, Chemistry), Bai Chunli (Class of 1978, Chemistry), Xu Zhiqin (Class of 1964, Geological Geography), Tang Xican (Class of 1957, Biology), Liu Yingming (Class of 1963, Mathematics and Mechanics), Xia Jianbai (Class of 1965 Graduate, Physics), Du Qinghua (former Peking University faculty, transferred out in 1952).

　　Alumnus Zhu Jianshi (Class of 1958, Mathematics and Mechanics) received the Fourth Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award in 2002. Alumni Fan Dianyuan (Class of 1962) and Zhong Nanshan (Class of 1960, Medical Department) received the Fifth Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award in 2004. Managed and hosted by the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award is the highest honor in China’s engineering science and technology community. Prior to this, Peking University alumni Zhang Zonghu (Class of 1948, Geology), Wang Shouyun (Class of 1960, Mathematics and Mechanics), and Jin Guofan (Class of 1950, College of Engineering) had also received this award.

　　In 2002, CAS Academician Jiang Boju, Professor from the School of Mathematical Sciences (Class of 1957, Mathematics and Mechanics), received the Fifth Hua Luogeng Mathematics Prize. In 2005, alumnus Jiang Lishang (Class of 1957, Mathematics and Mechanics) received the Seventh Hua Luogeng Mathematics Prize. The Hua Luogeng Mathematics Prize, jointly established by the Chinese Mathematical Society and Hunan Education Publishing House to commemorate the famous mathematician Hua Luogeng, honors Chinese mathematicians who have made outstanding contributions to the development of mathematics in China. Among the winners since 1992, five have been from Peking University, the most of any university.

　　In 2003 and 2005, Researcher Gong Fuzhou (conducted postdoctoral research at the School of Mathematical Sciences from 1995 to 1997) and Researcher Duan Haibao (PhD from Peking University in 1987), both from the Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, received the Ninth and Tenth “Chern Prize in Mathematics,” respectively. This prize recognizes young and middle-aged Chinese mathematicians who have achieved outstanding results in the field of mathematics. Of the 20 recipients since 1986, eight have been Peking University alumni, the most of any university.

　　In 2003, alumnus Tang Tao, Class of 1984 from the Computational Mathematics program and Chair Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Hong Kong Baptist University, received the Feng Kang Prize for Scientific Computing. Established in 1995, the Feng Kang Prize honors young Chinese mathematicians at home and abroad who have made outstanding contributions in the field of scientific computing. Awarded biennially with a prize of 15,000 yuan, five of the 11 recipients to date have been from Peking University, the most of any university.

　　In 2002–2003, Professor Ma Boqiang from the School of Physics (PhD from the Department of Physics, Class of 1989) received the Zhou Peiyuan Prize in Physics. Alumnus Xie Sishen (Class of 1965, Department of Physics) and Wang Enge (PhD from the Department of Physics, Class of 1990) from the Chinese Academy of Sciences received the Zhou Peiyuan Prize in Physics for 2000–2001 and 2004–2005, respectively. Five of the six recipients of this award to date have been Peking University graduates. In 2002, Professor Huang Yongnian from the College of Engineering (Class of 1963 and 1966 Graduate, Mathematics and Mechanics) received the Third Zhou Peiyuan Prize in Mechanics, becoming the third recipient of that award. The Zhou Peiyuan Prizes in Physics and Mechanics are awarded biennially, usually to one individual or project each time, by the Zhou Peiyuan Foundation.

　　In 2000–2001, Professor Qin Guogang from the School of Physics received the Ye Qisun Prize in Physics, while Professor Gong Qihuang received the Rao Yutai Prize in Physics for 2004–2005. Alumnus Shui Yong’an (Class of 1953, Department of Physics) received the Rao Yutai Prize in Physics for 2000–2001.

　　Alumnus Wang Dingsheng (Class of 1952, Department of Physics) received the Ye Qisun Prize in Physics for 2000–2001, and alumnus Ma Zhongqi (Class of 1964 Graduate, Department of Physics) received the Wang Ganchang Prize in Physics for 2004–2004. The Chinese Physical Society’s Hu Gangfu, Rao Yutai, Ye Qisun, Wu Youxun, and Wang Ganchang Prizes were awarded three times between 2001 and 2005, with 14 prizes conferred in total.

　　Professor Xi Zhenfeng, Dean of the College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering at Peking University, was awarded the "China Chemical Society-BASF Youth Innovation Award" for 2003-2004 and the First "Huang Yaotseng Award for Organometallic Chemistry" by the China Chemical Society in 2004, the highest honor in China's organometallic chemistry field.

　　Professors He Guoqi and Zheng Yadong from Peking University’s School of Earth and Space Sciences received the Seventh (2001) and Ninth (2005) "Teachers' Awards" of the Li Siguang Geological Science Award, respectively. Peking University alumni and academicians Ye Lianjun, Yang Qi, and Shi Yaolin were awarded the Li Siguang Geological Science Award Honorary Prize. The Li Siguang Geological Science Award is the highest honor in China’s geology field, and its Honorary Prize has been granted to only eight individuals over three award cycles.

　　Dr. Wang Jinsong from Peking University was awarded the 2005 Zhao Jiuzhang Prize for Outstanding Young and Middle-aged Scientists. The Zhao Jiuzhang Prize is dedicated to recognizing scientists under 45 who have made contributions in the fields of atmospheric physics, geophysics, space exploration, and space physics through basic research, applied basic research, and development research.

　　Researcher Tang Zhi from Peking University’s Institute of Computer Science won the Special Prize of the First "China Invention Association Invention Entrepreneurship Award" and was also conferred the honorary title of "Contemporary Inventor." The "Invention Entrepreneurship Award," approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China and established by the China Invention Association, is the first national top award for inventors and the only award approved by the National Awards Office this year. A total of 10 individuals received the Special Prize this year.

　　Professors Huang Liaoyu from Peking University’s School of Foreign Languages and the late Professor Tian Dewang were awarded the Third Lu Xun Literature Prize for Literary Translation in 2005. The Lu Xun Literature Prize, hosted by the China Writers Association, is a national-level literary award. Professor Huang Liaoyu (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral graduate of Peking University) is also the eighth alumnus of our university to receive this prize.

　　Liu Guoguang (graduated from the Department of Economics at National Southwestern Associated University in 1946), an alumnus of Peking University, received the First "Outstanding Contribution Award" of the China Economics Award in 2005. The China Economics Award, jointly initiated by the China Macroeconomic Society and the China Society of Economic Reform, aims to honor Chinese scholars who have made outstanding contributions in economic theory, policy, and research methodology. The inaugural award focused on economists since the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in December 1978, who have combined economic principles with China’s realities and made significant contributions to national development and reform policies.

　　Professors Zhang Shouwen and Chen Ruihua from Peking University were successively selected as two of China’s Top Ten Outstanding Young and Middle-aged Jurists for 2002 and 2004. Other awardees included six alumni: Lü Zhongmei (Class of 1984), Yuan Shuhong (PhD in Law), Cai Dingjian (PhD in Law), Jing Hanchao (Master of Law, Class of 1996), Ma Huaidong (Law Department, Class of 1988), and Mo Jihong (Law Department, Class of 1986). To date, 12 alumni have received this title across all editions of the Top Ten Young Jurists selection.

　　III. International Awards/Honors

　　Professor Hou Renzhi from Peking University, an academician, was awarded the "Chairman’s Award of the Committee for Research and Exploration" by the National Geographic Society of the United States in 2001. The National Geographic Society is the world’s largest non-profit scientific and educational organization. The Chairman’s Award is given to National Geographic Society fund recipients who have brought new knowledge to the world and made outstanding contributions. Academician Hou Renzhi has long been engaged in research on urban historical geography, desert environmental changes, and historical geography theory, and is widely recognized as a leading figure in China’s historical geography.

　　Professor Jin Dinghan (Class of 1955, Department of Oriental Languages) from Peking University’s School of Foreign Languages received the George Grierson Award in 2001, presented personally by Indian President K. R. Narayanan. This award represents the highest achievement in Hindi studies. Professor Jin Dinghan is among the first group of Hindi scholars trained in China. His major works and translations include the Hindi-Chinese Dictionary and the Hindi-Chinese Idiom Dictionary. His translation of the Ramcharitmanas introduced this monumental work of Indian literature, which combines epic, philosophy, and religious scripture, to Chinese readers for the first time. Professor Jin also received the World Hindi Honor Award from Indian President Sharma in 1993, and the Central Institute of Hindi Language in India has praised him as one of the most influential scholars in the global Hindi research community today.

　　Academician Wang Zhongcheng, a Class of 1950 alumnus of Peking University’s Medical School, Director of the Beijing Institute of Neurosciences at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Honorary President of Beijing Tiantan Hospital, was awarded the "Highest Honor Medal" at the 12th World Congress of Neurological Surgeons in 2001. This is the highest award in the field of neurosurgery worldwide, and he remains the only neurosurgeon in China to have received this distinction so far.

　　Academician Bai Chunli, a Class of 1978 alumnus of Peking University’s Chemistry Department, Executive Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Director of the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, received the 2001 "International Award" from the headquarters of the International Council of Chemical Associations in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of nanoscience and his leadership in international scientific and technological cooperation and exchange. Academician Bai is the second Chinese scientist to receive this award, following Chinese chemist Hou Debang, who was named an Honorary Member of the association in 1943.

　　Academician Liu Dongsheng (Class of 1942, Department of Geology), an alumnus of Peking University, was awarded the 2002 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, receiving a gold medal and a prize of 200,000 US dollars. The Tyler Prize is the highest award in the field of environmental science and is known as the "Nobel Prize of Environmental Science."

　　Professor Cai Hua from Peking University’s Anthropology Department was awarded the Gold Prize of the 2002 Francophonie Grand Prize by the French Academy of Sciences in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field of anthropology. The Francophonie Grand Prize is an award established jointly by French-speaking countries such as France, Canada, and Morocco to honor scholars who use French as their working language and have made remarkable academic contributions. Professor Cai Hua is the first Chinese to receive this award.

　　The Qiqiang River Park in Zhongshan, designed under the direction of Professor Yu Kongjian from Peking University’s Graduate School of Landscape Architecture, was awarded the Design Honor Award, the highest annual landscape design award in the United States, by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) in 2002. It also received the Urban Environment Art Excellence Award in the Public Environment category of the 2003 China Architectural Art Award, and the Comprehensive Gold Award for Outstanding Modern Chinese Ethnic Architecture jointly issued by the National Federation of Industry and Commerce Residential Industry Chamber of Commerce and the China National Architecture Research Association in 2004.