Famous Chinese Scientists

Tu Youyou is a renowned Chinese malariologist and pharmaceutical chemist known for her groundbreaking discovery of artemisinin and dihydroartemisinin, crucial in treating malaria. Her work has had a significant impact on tropical medicine, saving numerous lives across different continents. She has been recognized with prestigious awards including the 2011 Lasker Award and the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. As the first Chinese Nobel laureate in physiology or medicine and the first female citizen of China to receive a Nobel Prize, Tu's contributions have left a lasting legacy in the field.

Chen Ning Yang is a prominent Chinese theoretical physicist known for his groundbreaking work in statistical mechanics, integrable systems, and gauge theory. He, along with Tsung-Dao Lee, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957 for their discovery of parity non-conservation in weak interactions. Yang is also recognized for his collaboration with Robert Mills in developing the influential Yang-Mills theory. His contributions to both particle and condensed matter physics have had a lasting impact on the field, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in theoretical physics.

Shiing-Shen Chern, a Chinese American mathematician and poet, made significant contributions to differential geometry and topology. Widely regarded as a leader in geometry, he is known as the "father of modern differential geometry." Chern worked at prestigious institutions such as the Institute for Advanced Study and the University of California, Berkeley, where he cofounded the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute. His work, including the Chern-Gauss-Bonnet Theorem and Chern classes, remains influential in mathematics and physics, impacting fields like string theory and quantum field theory.

Tsung-Dao Lee is a renowned Chinese-American physicist known for his groundbreaking contributions to the fields of particle physics, relativistic heavy ion physics, and soliton stars. He served as a university professor at Columbia University for nearly six decades before retiring in 2012. At the age of 30, Lee was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics alongside Chen Ning Yang for their work on parity violation in weak interactions, making him the youngest Nobel laureate in the science fields post-World War II and the youngest American to receive the prestigious award.

Chien-Shiung Wu was a Chinese-American particle and experimental physicist known for her significant contributions in nuclear and particle physics. She played a crucial role in the Manhattan Project, where she helped develop the process for uranium isotope separation. Wu conducted the Wu experiment, which demonstrated that parity is not conserved, leading to groundbreaking discoveries in physics. Her expertise in experimental physics earned her the title of the "First Lady of Physics" and comparisons to Marie Curie. Wu received numerous awards for her pioneering work.

Zhang Heng was a prominent Chinese polymathic scientist and statesman during the Han dynasty. He excelled in various fields such as astronomy, mathematics, seismology, engineering, invention, geography, and literature. Rising from a minor civil servant to Chief Astronomer and Palace Attendant, Zhang's expertise in mechanics led to significant inventions like the water-powered armillary sphere and seismoscope. His contributions to astronomy, star cataloging, and poetry were highly regarded in his time, earning him posthumous recognition and comparisons to the renowned Ptolemy.

Xu Guangqi, also known as Paul, was a prominent figure during the Ming dynasty in China. He was a versatile professional, excelling in various fields such as agronomy, astronomy, mathematics, politics, and writing. Notably, Xu was appointed by the Emperor to lead the Shixian calendar reform, collaborating with Jesuits on this project. He worked closely with Italian Jesuits on translating Western texts into Chinese and authored a significant treatise on agriculture. Xu's contributions earned him recognition as one of the "Three Pillars of Chinese Catholicism" and he was later beatified by the Vatican.

Shen Kuo was a prominent Chinese polymath, scientist, and statesman of the Song dynasty. He excelled in various fields such as mathematics, optics, and horology. Throughout his career as a civil servant, Shen held high-ranking positions such as finance minister, governmental state inspector, and head official for the Bureau of Astronomy. He aligned himself with the Reformist faction at court and made significant contributions to science and technology, including the description of the magnetic needle compass and advancements in astronomy, geography, and printing.

Fang Lizhi was a prominent Chinese astrophysicist known for his contributions to the field and his role as the vice-president of the University of Science and Technology of China. He gained international recognition for his activism and liberal ideas that influenced the pro-democracy student movement of 1986–87 and the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. Despite facing repercussions such as expulsion from the Chinese Communist Party and the revocation of his academician position, Fang was honored with the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Award in 1989 for his dedication to advancing human rights.

Su Song was a Chinese polymathic scientist and statesman during the Song dynasty. He excelled in mathematics, astronomy, cartography, geography, horology, pharmacology, mineralogy, metallurgy, zoology, botany, mechanical engineering, hydraulic engineering, civil engineering, invention, art, poetry, philosophy, antiquities, and statesmanship. Su Song was known for his engineering work on a hydro-mechanical astronomical clock tower in Kaifeng, which featured an early escapement mechanism and an endless power-transmitting chain drive. His treatise Xinyi Xiangfayao discussed various subjects and his contributions to Chinese clock technology were significant.

Li Shizhen, a prominent figure during the Ming dynasty, was a highly skilled Chinese acupuncturist, herbalist, pharmacologist, and physician. His extensive knowledge and expertise in traditional Chinese medicine led him to write the monumental Compendium of Materia Medica, a comprehensive pharmacology text with in-depth information on over 1,800 Chinese medicines. Through his work, he developed innovative methods for classifying herbs and medications for treating various diseases. Li Shizhen's contributions to medicine and his dedication to documenting and sharing his knowledge have left a lasting impact on the field of traditional Chinese medicine.

Liu Hui was a Chinese mathematician who made significant contributions to mathematics during the Three Kingdoms period. He is best known for his commentary on The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art, where he provided a proof of the Pythagorean theorem, theorems in solid geometry, an improved approximation of π, and a systematic method for solving linear equations. In his work, The Sea Island Mathematical Manual, he focused on geometrical problems and their practical applications in surveying. Liu Hui's professional life showcased his expertise in mathematics and problem-solving methods.

Zu Chongzhi, a renowned Chinese astronomer, engineer, and mathematician, is celebrated for his significant contributions in various fields. His accurate approximations of π remain a notable achievement in mathematics. He challenged prevailing calendars by introducing the more accurate Daming calendar. Additionally, his work on the mathematical theory of music showcased his diverse interests and expertise. Despite the loss of many of his writings over time, Zu Chongzhi's professional legacy continues to inspire and influence the realms of mathematics, astronomy, and engineering.

Andrew Chi-Chih Yao is a prominent Chinese computer scientist and computational theorist. He currently serves as a professor and the dean of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences at Tsinghua University. Yao is renowned for his application of the minimax theorem, leading to the development of Yao's Principle. While previously a naturalized U.S. citizen with a successful career in the U.S., he later renounced his U.S. citizenship in 2015 to become an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Zhang Zhongjing, also known as Zhang Ji, was a renowned Chinese pharmacologist, physician, inventor, and writer during the Eastern Han dynasty. He emerged as one of the most distinguished physicians of his era, leaving a lasting impact on Traditional Chinese Medicine. Zhang Zhongjing's professional contributions were significant, as he established fundamental medication principles and synthesized vast medicinal knowledge of his time. His work and insights have played a crucial role in advancing the field of traditional medicine and continue to influence medical practices to this day.

Yang Hui, a Chinese mathematician and writer during the Song dynasty, was renowned for his work on magic squares, magic circles, and the binomial theorem. He is best known for presenting Yang Hui's Triangle, which is equivalent to Pascal's Triangle discovered by his predecessor Jia Xian. Yang's professional life was marked by significant contributions to mathematics and his contemporaneity with other notable mathematicians like Qin Jiushao. His legacy includes pioneering advancements in mathematical theory and problem-solving methodologies during his era.

Qin Jiushao was a versatile Chinese figure known for his contributions in mathematics, meteorology, invention, politics, and writing. He is acknowledged for his discovery of Horner's method in mathematics, a significant algorithm for polynomial evaluation. Additionally, Qin Jiushao invented Tianchi basins, which were utilized as rain gauge instruments for collecting meteorological data. His professional life was marked by achievements in various fields, showcasing his expertise and innovation in advancing knowledge and technology during his time.

Wei Yuan was a Chinese scholar who obtained the provincial degree in the Imperial examinations. He worked in the secretariat of statesmen such as Lin Zexu. Wei was deeply concerned with the crisis facing China in the early 19th century. Despite his loyalty to the Qing dynasty, he proposed various reforms to improve the administration of the empire. Wei's professional life was characterized by his scholarly pursuits, involvement in government affairs, and dedication to addressing the challenges facing China during his time.

Jia Xian was a renowned Chinese mathematician during the Song dynasty. He made significant contributions to mathematics, particularly in the field of combinatorics. Jia Xian is credited with describing Pascal's triangle, a mathematical concept that he developed during the 11th century. His work on Pascal's triangle has had a lasting impact on mathematics and has been studied and utilized by mathematicians and scholars around the world. Jia Xian's professional life was marked by his innovative thinking and his pioneering contributions to the field of mathematics.

Lap-Chee Tsui is a prominent Chinese-born Canadian geneticist known for his significant contributions to the field of genetics. He served as the 14th Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Hong Kong, demonstrating his leadership abilities and dedication to academic excellence. Tsui's expertise has led to groundbreaking discoveries in genetic research, earning him recognition within the scientific community. His career highlights include pioneering work in human genetics and playing a key role in the discovery of the cystic fibrosis gene, showcasing his profound impact on the field.

Wang Chong, a prominent figure during the Eastern Han dynasty, was a versatile scholar known for his contributions to astronomy, meteorology, natural philosophy, and literature. His rational and materialistic approach to understanding the world set him apart from his contemporaries. Wang's most notable work, the "Lunheng," delved into various scientific theories and innovations, such as the square-pallet chain pump, which had a lasting impact on Chinese irrigation practices. Despite facing financial struggles, Wang's dedication to learning and his rebellious spirit shaped his professional journey, leading him to attain the position of District Secretary.

Tao Hongjing was a prominent figure in Chinese history, excelling in various fields such as alchemy, astronomy, calligraphy, military strategy, music, medicine, and pharmacology during the Northern and Southern dynasties. He was renowned for his role as a founder of the Shangqing School of Taoism, focusing on spiritual practices, and for compiling the fundamental Shangqing scriptures. With his diverse talents and contributions, Tao Hongjing left a lasting impact on Taoist philosophy and the cultural landscape of his time.

Li Chunfeng was a Chinese mathematician and astronomer known for rejecting the Wuyin calendar and creating the Linde calendar. He worked at the Imperial Astronomical Bureau and utilized a new armillary sphere for his astronomical calculations. In addition to his calendar reforms, Li Chunfeng authored mathematical and historical treatises. He made significant contributions to various fields including music, metrology, and astrology, showcasing his wide-ranging expertise and influence in the scientific community of his time.

Tso-hsin Cheng was a prominent Chinese ornithologist recognized for his influential contributions to the study of birds in China. Following his education in the United States, he made the decision to remain in mainland China post-World War II, diverging from the path of many of his peers who relocated to Taiwan. Despite his membership in the Communist Party, Cheng faced harsh repercussions during the Cultural Revolution. Throughout his career, he played a pivotal role in advancing ornithology in China and nurturing a new generation of researchers.

Li Ye was a prominent Chinese mathematician, politician, and writer known for his contributions to mathematics and astronomy. He is most recognized for his work on the tian yuan shu method for solving polynomial equations of one variable. Additionally, Li Ye, along with the astronomer Yu Xi, proposed the concept of a spherical Earth, challenging the prevailing belief in a flat Earth. His professional life was marked by significant advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and scientific thought in ancient China.

Zhu Shijie, a prominent Chinese mathematician and writer of the Yuan Dynasty, made significant contributions to the field of mathematics. His surviving works, "Introduction to Computational Studies" and "Jade Mirror of the Four Unknowns," showcase his expertise and dedication to advancing mathematical knowledge. Zhu's professional life was marked by his innovative approach to mathematical problems and his commitment to sharing his insights through his writings, leaving a lasting impact on the mathematical community during his time.

Li Shaojun was a fangshi known for his expertise in esoterica and alchemy. He was a trusted retainer of Emperor Wu of Han and considered a xian, or transcendent being. As the earliest recorded Chinese alchemist, Li played a significant role in the development of waidan, or External Alchemy. His contributions are documented in historical texts such as Shiji and alchemical works like Baopuzi. Li Shaojun's professional life showcases his mastery of ancient Chinese practices and his important role in the realm of alchemy.

Li Shanlan was a prominent Chinese mathematician of the Qing Dynasty known for his contributions to mathematics and translation work. He collaborated with Western scholars to translate various mathematical works into Chinese, including texts on geometry, algebra, and calculus. Li coined numerous mathematical terms used in Chinese and Japanese today. He discovered the Li Shanlan identity in 1867 and later worked in Zeng Guofan's think tank. He also taught at Tongwen Guan and closely collaborated with linguist John Fryer.

Jia Lanpo was a prominent Chinese palaeoanthropologist known as a founder of Chinese anthropology. He began his career as a trainee at the Cenozoic Research Laboratory, later joining the excavations at Zhoukoudian where he worked with renowned figures in paleoanthropology. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, he held various academic positions and played a key role at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology. Jia facilitated international collaboration in Chinese paleoanthropological research and was elected as a Foreign Associate of the US National Academy of Sciences in 1994.

Minggantu was a Mongolian astronomer, mathematician, and topographic scientist who worked at the Qing court. He began his career as a state-subsidized student at the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, where he contributed to calendar reforms led by Jesuit missionaries. Minggantu later worked at the Imperial Observatory, participating in drafting the calendar and studying the armillary sphere. His significant contributions include the development of mathematics in China, particularly his work on infinite series and Catalan numbers. Minggantu's work integrated European mathematical concepts without the use of calculus, showcasing his innovative and algebraic approach to mathematical problems.

Zu Gengzhi was a notable Chinese mathematician, politician, and writer who made significant contributions to the field of mathematics. He is most renowned for deriving and proving the formula for the volume of a sphere, showcasing his mathematical prowess. Additionally, Zu Gengzhi conducted measurements related to astronomy, specifically determining the angular distance between Polaris and the celestial north pole. His work in both mathematics and astronomy highlights his intellectual curiosity and dedication to advancing knowledge in these fields.

Wang Xiaotong was a prominent Chinese mathematician known for his major contribution, the Jigu suanjing ("Continuation of Ancient Mathematics"). This text, written before 626, contained 20 problems focusing on engineering construction and right-angled triangles, which essentially dealt with solving cubic equations. Wang established and solved 25 cubic equations, as well as quadratic and double quadratic equations. His work influenced later Chinese mathematicians and even reached Italian mathematician Fibonacci through transmission via the Islamic world, leaving a lasting impact on the field.

Li Rui was a prominent Chinese mathematician known for his independent discovery of an equivalent version of Descartes' rule of signs. His professional life was characterized by significant contributions to the field of mathematics, particularly in the area of algebraic equations. Li's work demonstrated his deep understanding of mathematical principles and his ability to make important discoveries independently. His research and discoveries have left a lasting impact on the mathematical community, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and innovative mathematician.

Bei Shizhang was a prominent Chinese biophysicist, embryologist, politician, and writer. He made significant contributions to the fields of cytology and embryology, earning him the title of the "Father of Chinese Biophysics." He founded the Department of Biology at Zhejiang University and later established the Institute of Biophysics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he served as the first chief director and honorary director. Bei Shizhang was an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Academia Sinica, playing a pivotal role in advancing scientific research in China.