On the morning of April 27, the 62nd Distinguished Scientist Lecture of Hainan University was held at the Social Sciences Building. Wang Yifang, a world-renowned experimental high-energy physicist and Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, delivered a lecture titled “Higgs and Neutrinos: Two Windows to the Future of Particle Physics.” The event was chaired by Chen Jun, Vice President of HNU.

 The 62nd Distinguished Scientist Lecture held at HNU. (Credit: Publicity Department)

Starting from the question of why particle physics is studied, Wang Yifang introduced the concept and research directions of particle physics, as well as the technological approaches to exploring the structure of matter, drawing on humanity’s exploration of matter and the universe and modern scientific understanding and achievements in this field. He noted that following the discovery of the Higgs boson, the Standard Model is largely complete, yet particle physics is now at a critical turning point. The Standard Model still cannot explain fundamental issues such as dark matter and the matter–antimatter asymmetry of the universe, and experimental results have revealed signs beyond the Standard Model, calling for exploration at higher energies and deeper levels. The Higgs bosons and neutrinos, he said, are the two best windows for such exploration.

Wang reviewed the development of China’s particle physics research from “missing the golden age” to “reaching the international frontier”, and introduced two major scientific projects—the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) and the Circular Electron Positron Collider (CEPC)—both of which began operation and data collection in August last year. He emphasized that such scientific projects are of great significance in enhancing national scientific and technological strength, cultivating top-tier research talent, and achieving breakthroughs in key core technologies. He encouraged young students to scale new heights in science and contribute to China’s goal of high-level self-reliance and strength in science and technology.

Wang Yifang delivers the lecture. (Credit: Duan Tianyue)

The lecture hall was filled to capacity. Faculty and students engaged in discussions on topics such as the standard cosmological model and supernova neutrinos, with Wang Yifang answering questions one by one.

Faculty and students engage in discussion. (Credit: Duan Tianyue)

Representatives from relevant departments of the Hainan Association for Science and Technology, academic societies, enterprise science and technology associations, and university science and technology associations, as well as heads of relevant units and departments of HNU, and faculty and student representatives from the Haidian, Danzhou, Mission Hills (including the Chengxi Teaching Site), and Yazhou campuses participated in the lecture both online and offline.

Translated by ZHENG Yijin

Proofread by WEI Wenfeng