On the morning of October 20, 2025, the 16th Asia Pacific Physics Conference (APPC16) kicked off in Haikou. Hyoung Joon Choi, president of the Association of Asia Pacific Physical Societies (AAPPS), Zhang Jie, member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and president of Chinese Physical Society, and Luo Qingming, HNU president and member of CAS participated in the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. The ceremony was chaired by Xiang Tao, member of CAS and vice-president of AAPPS.
On the morning of October 20, 2025, the 16th Asia Pacific Physics Conference (APPC16) kicks off in Haikou. (Photo from HNU’s CPC Publicity Department)
Before the opening ceremony, Zhang Jie presided over a moment of silence in remembrance of Yang Chen-Ning, the world-renowned physicist and Nobel Laureate in Physics. Zhang noted that Yang had played a pivotal role in establishing the AAPPS as its founding chairman, making significant contributions to academic exchange and collaboration in physics across the Asia-Pacific region. His scientific spirit, Zhang said, would continue to inspire scholars attending the conference to forge ahead. Zhang then called upon all participants to stand in silent tribute to Yang.
On behalf of the AAPPS, President Hyoung Joon Choi expressed the deepest condolences on the passing of Yang Chen-Ning, extended a warm welcome to all participating scholars, and conveyed sincere gratitude to Hainan University for hosting this conference. He noted that the Asia-Pacific region has become one of the most dynamic hubs for physics research and education globally. This conference not only offers scholars an opportunity to share cutting-edge scientific achievements but also serves as a vital platform to expand professional networks and deepen friendship. He expressed hope that the event would foster collaborative opportunities, jointly advancing innovative development in the Asia-Pacific physics community.
Hyoung Joon Choi addresses the conference.
Zhang Jie addresses the conference.
On behalf of the Chinese Physical Society, Zhang Jie extended a warm welcome to all participants and expressed heartfelt gratitude to Hainan University for its dedicated efforts. He emphasized that this conference serves as a pivotal platform for physicists across the Asia-Pacific region to exchange ideas and envision the future. In addressing global scientific challenges, he stressed that only through openness, inclusivity, and deepened international collaboration can we pool wisdom and foster shared progress. He expressed hope that the event would inspire innovative thinking, build consensus, and propel physics forward through mutual learning and dialogue.
Luo Qingming, on behalf of Hainan University, extended a warm welcome to all distinguished scholars and experts. He highlighted the university’s leapfrog progress in recent years across disciplinary development, research infrastructure, scientific innovation, and talent cultivation. By spearheading the establishment of the “League of Tropical Universities” and undertaking multiple national-level research projects, the university has consistently advanced the foundational disciplines like physics, thereby supporting the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port and serving the national strategic goals. He sincerely invited global scholars to collaborate with Hainan University in exploring scientific frontiers and driving academic excellence.
Luo Qingming Zhang Jie addresses the conference.
Xiang Tao hosts the opening ceremony.
The 16th Asia-Pacific Physics Conference is jointly organized by the Association of Asia-Pacific Physical Societies and the Chinese Physical Society, with Hainan University serving as the host institution. Spanning five days, the conference features 10 parallel sessions dedicated to cutting-edge fields, including particle and field physics, condensed matter physics, atomic, molecular, and optical physics.
During the conference, special thematic sessions were held, including those focused on Women in Physics, Physics in the Era of Artificial Intelligence, the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, and Meet the Physics Editors.
The conference attendees included Academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) such as Ye Zhaohui, Zhan Wenlong, Pan Jianwei, Chen Xianhui, Xie Xincheng, Cai Ronggen, Gong Xingo, Feng Donglai, and Jin Kuijuan, and HNU vice president Chen Jun, and over 750 physicists from Chinese and foreign universities and research institutions.
Translated by Liu Ying
Proofread by Chen Chuanxain
