On the morning of December 10, the 53rd Distinguished Scientist Lecture was held in the lecture hall of the Social Sciences Building, Hainan University. Xi Nanhua, Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and researcher of the Academy of Mathematics and Systems Sciences, gave a lecture titled The Significance of Mathematics. In attendance were HNU leaders Liu Qian, Zhang Kezhong and Chen Jun. Vice President Chen Jun chaired the event.

On the morning of December 10, the 53rd Distinguished Scientist Lecture is held in the lecture hall of the Social Sciences Building, Hainan University. (Photo by Zheng Danting)

Starting with the intrinsic nature of mathematics, Xi Nanhua expounded on its abstraction, infinity, and its value as a tool and a language to understand the real world. He noted that as an independent theoretical discipline, mathematics has gone through a long and winding evolution, embodying humanity’s rationality of the fundamental attributes of nature and society. Mathematics is more than a tool. It is a universal language for us to understand the real world and unveil the laws of nature.

On the morning of December 10, the 53rd Distinguished Scientist Lecture is held in the lecture hall of the Social Sciences Building, Hainan University.Xi Nanhua delivers his speech. (Photo by Zheng Danting)

Drawing on the contributions of scientists such as Archimedes, Newton, and Gauss, he explained how mathematics constructs a bridge across the finite-infinite divide. He noted that mathematics’ “infinite” potential assumes an irreplaceable role in science. From the distribution of prime numbers and the discovery of irrational numbers to set theory, non-Euclidean geometry, and the Riemann Hypothesis, all of them reflect the depth and power of mathematical thinking.

When discussing the value and beauty of mathematics, he cited perspectives from scholars like Einstein and Dirac, noting that mathematics earns respect not only through its logical rigor but also through the beauty of rationality revealed in its concise and profound structures. Using examples such as the Pythagorean theorem and the prime number theorem, he illustrated how mathematical beauty resides both in the elegance of its conclusions and in the penetrating insight of its ideas. He also shared stories of Chen Jingrun, Terence Tao, and other eminent mathematicians, underscoring that mathematical research requires interest, perseverance, and an open mindset.

On the morning of December 10, the 53rd Distinguished Scientist Lecture of Hainan University is held in the lecture hall of the Social Sciences Building, Hainan University. A student raises a question. (Photo by Zheng Danting)

The lecture hall was at full capacity with an audience of attentive faculty and students. Vibrant exchanges ensued on topics ranging from the perception of mathematical beauty, the application of abstract mathematics, and the balance between logical rigor and innovative breakthroughs, followed by Professor Xi’s insightful responses to questions from the audience.

Officials from the Hainan Association for Science and Technology, delegates from professional societies, as well as representatives of enterprise and university science and technology associations joined the lecture in a hybrid format. On site and online were also faculty members and students from HNU’s four campuses— Haidian, Danzhou, Mission Hills (including the Chengxi site) and Yazhou Bay.

Translator: Wu Tong

Proofreader: Zhang Ying