On January 1, 2024, the "Qiuzhen Traveler's Eyes Lecture'' organized by Qiuzhen College, Tsinghua University, arrived in Shanghai and was successfully held at High School Affiliated to Fudan University in Shanghai. Mr. Shing-Tung Yau, Dean of of Qiuzhen College at Tsinghua University, Director of Yau Mathematical Sciences Center, as well as Beijing Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Applications, graced the event with his presence and delivered a speech. Other attendees included Xiaofang Wang, Deputy Dean of Qiuzhen College; Yi Li, Professor from Southeast University and Deputy Director of the Department of Applied Mathematics, Assistant Director of the Yau Mathematical Sciences Center,, and academic advisor for the lecture series; Jian Wu, Principal of the Affiliated High School of Fudan University; Juan Guo, Secretary of the Party Committee; Wenhao Lian, Deputy Dean of the Shanghai Institute of Mathematics and Interdisciplinary Sciences and Professor at Brandeis University; Jun Zhang, Deputy Dean of the Shanghai Institute of Mathematics and Interdisciplinary Sciences and Professor at the University of Michigan; and Xiaozhou Yang, Director of the Mathematics Division and Researcher at the Institute of Precision Measurement Science and Technology Innovation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS).
Picture: The Lecture is holding.
Principal Jian Wu delivered the opening speech. , warmly welcoming Professor Yau and the faculty and students from Tsinghua University. He emphasized the importance of integrating education, science and technology, and talent development to accelerate the cultivation of strategic national talent. As mathematics is the foundation of all sciences, he advocated for active exploration and strengthening the training of mathematical talent. The lecture series aims to provide students with a fresh academic perspective and a deeper understanding of the history of mathematics. He encouraged students to explore the mysteries of science and become pillars in academic research.
Picture: Jian Wu delivering the opening speech
Yilin Hong, a 2021 student of Qiuzhen College, presented a report on the history of mathematics titled "Starting from Quadratic Curves." She introduced the history and classification of quadratic curves and explained their wonderful connection with modern and applied mathematics. Through engaging explanations and interactive discussions, she helped the audience gain a deeper understanding of the knowledge and application value of quadratic curves.
Photo: Yilin Hong reported on the history of mathematics.
Mr. Chenglong Bao, Assistant Professor from Yau Mathematical Sciences Center,Tsinghua University, delivered a report titled "A Brief Talk on College Mathematics: Linear Algebra." He started with a real problem and expanded on the vast world of linear algebra and its exciting applications in today's society. He pointed out that mathematics is a diverse field, with algebra, analysis, and geometry interweaving. The lecture provided a glimpse into the beauty of college mathematics and offered students a valuable opportunity for learning and reflection.
Picture: Mr. Bao Chenglong gave a report
Mr. Yau made a concluding speech. He expressed his delight in interacting with the students of the Affiliated High School of Fudan University. He highlighted the importance of quadratic curves in the over two-thousand-year history of mathematics and their significant relationship with the development of mathematical research in the twentieth century. He shared his academic journey and experiences in overcoming challenges in mathematics, encouraging young people to tackle big problems fearlessly and to consistently explore their potential. Mr. Yau emphasized that without a strong foundation in basic sciences, applied sciences cannot develop well. He advocated for China to boldly pursue its own path in mathematical research, understanding the ideas of predecessors, and integrating them on a grand scale to forge a meaningful and historically significant path.
Picture: Mr.Yau made a concluding speech.
The lecture was met with enthusiasm, and students actively participated in the question-and-answer session, demonstrating their keen interest in mathematics. They engaged in discussions with Professor Yau on topics such as the research on quadratic and elliptic curves and the relationship between elementary and advanced mathematics. Mr. Yau gave answers and suggestions to the students’ questions and presented memorabilia from the academy to those who asked questions, along with a group photo.
Photo: Mr. Yau interacted with students
Student Jiayi Zhang from the Affiliated High School of Fudan University presented two portrait paintings she created for Professor Yau, explaining their symbolism. painting expressed respect for Professor Yau's achievements and contributions in scientific research, while the other showed gratitude for his concern for young students and mathematics education. The peach and plum blossoms in the paintings symbolized Professor Yau's widespread influence.
Photo: Portrait painting presented by student Jiayi Zhang
At the end of the event, students of the College sang the academy anthem "Ode to the Truth,” with each line reflecting Professor Yau's expectations for the students and serving as an inspiration for those in attendance.
Picture: students of the College sang the song "Ode to the Truth"
The lecture was organized by Qiuzhen College of Tsinghua University, co-hosted by Affiliated High School of Fudan University, and supported by Shanghai Education Television (SETV). Nearly 500 people from nine middle schools attended in the lecture.
Picture: Group photo of the teachers and students of Qiuzhen College.
In August 2022, the first "Qiuzhen Traveler's Eyes Lecture" in Shanghai was held at the NO.2 High School of East China Normal University, where Jiao Hao, a 2021 student of Qiuzhen College, presented a report on the history of mathematics focusing on the Bernoulli family. Coinciding with the 2023 annual meeting of the International Consortium of Chinese Mathematicians held in Shanghai from January 2 to 5, which brought together over 500 top mathematicians, scholars, and representatives of faculty and students from around the world to discuss important achievements and latest developments in 22 areas of pure and applied mathematics and interdisciplinary studies, the "Qiuzhen Traveler's Eyes Lecture" returned to Shanghai under the leadership of Professor Yau to continue exploring the wonders of mathematics with students in Shanghai and to broaden their understanding of mathematical history and knowledge.
Text | Guo Youran
Typography | Gong Wei
Review | Wang Xiaofang, Xie Lufang
Translation | Sun Yuanyuan
