The 41st Distinguished Scientist Lecture took place at the auditorium of the Social Sciences Complex on the morning of April 3. Zhang Jiping, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Peking University Boya Chair Professor and Director of Sino-Russian Mathematics Center, delivered a keynote speech titled “Number and Algebra.” CAS member Ye Chaohui, HNU President and CAS member Luo Qingming, as well as Vice Presidents Liu Qian and Li Buhong were in attendance. President Luo chaired the event.  

Lecture venue (Photo by Yu Boyuan)

With the metaphors of “three peaches” and “red peaches” as the lead-in, Prof. Zhang expounded on the evolution and standardization of numeral forms, and the institutional development of anti-counterfeiting mechanisms throughout mathematical history. On that basis, he further elucidated the positive role of algebra in advancing mathematics in the modern era. He argued that the earliest written characters created by mankind were actually symbols representing numerals, which can prove that formation of numerals actually marked the beginning of human civilization. From the initial perception of quantity to the invention of counting systems, mankind gradually established the abstract concept of numbers.

Zhang Jiping delivering the lecture (Photo by Liao Dandan)

Zhang noted that algebraization not only stands as a core fundamental field of mathematics but also constitutes three foundational pillars of mathematics alongside geometry and analysis. It has significantly contributed to the development of academic disciplines such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science. In the digital age, algebraic studies and algebraization have led numerals towards integration and uniformity, driving the further development of physics and advancing science and technology.

Q&A session (Photo by Liao Dandan)

The auditorium was fully packed and the audience was deeply engrossed. During the Q&A session, Prof. Zhang shared his unique insights on topics ranging from formalized mathematics to the cultivation of mathematical literacy. Besides, he encouraged the audience to cultivate mathematical reasoning in their daily learning and research in an effort to drive scientific research.

Over 700 people attended the event in person or online, including officials from Hainan Association for Science and Technology, representatives from other societies, enterprise and college sci-tech associations, heads of HNU’s departments concerned, as well as faculty and student representatives from all HNU campuses and science & education parks.

Translated by Fu Ya

Proofread by Kuang Xiaowen, Yang Jie