### Renowned Physicist Chen Ning Yang Passes Away at 103, Leaving a Legacy in Science Professor Chen Ning Yang, a distinguished physicist and Nobel Prize laureate, died on October 18, 2025, in Beijing at the age of 103. His passing was reported by state news outlet Xinhua, which attributed his death to "illness" without providing further details. Born in Hefei, Anhui province, in 1922, Yang made significant contributions to theoretical physics, particularly in the fields of statistical mechanics and particle physics, and is best known for his work on the Yang-Mills theory, which is fundamental to the Standard Model of particle physics. He shared the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957 with Tsung-Dao Lee for their groundbreaking work on parity violation in weak interactions, a discovery that reshaped the understanding of fundamental symmetries in physics [https://www.asiaone.com/china/nobel-laureate-chen-ning-yang-dies-103-xinhua, https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/nobel-prize-physics-winner-chen-ning-yang-dies-5410711]. ### Overview of Chen Ning Yang's Life and Contributions 1. **Early Life and Education** - Born in Hefei, Anhui province, China, in 1922. - Moved to the United States in the 1940s for higher education, where he later became a U.S. citizen before renouncing it in 2015 [https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2025/Oct/18/chinese-nobel-prize-winning-physicist-chen-ning-yang-dies-at-103]. 2. **Nobel Prize Achievement** - Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957 alongside Tsung-Dao Lee for their work on the violation of parity conservation in weak nuclear interactions, which was a pivotal moment in the field of particle physics [https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3329496/chinese-nobel-prize-winning-physicist-chen-ning-yang-dies-aged-103]. 3. **Yang-Mills Theory** - Developed the Yang-Mills theory in the early 1950s, which describes the behavior of force-carrying particles and is a cornerstone of the Standard Model of particle physics [https://www.deccanchronicle.com/world/nobel-laureate-chen-ning-yang-dies-at-103-1911056]. 4. **Later Career and Influence** - Returned to China and served as a professor at Tsinghua University, where he contributed to scientific education and international academic exchanges [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/18/chen-ning-yang-chinese-american-physicist-and-nobel-laureate-dies-at-103]. ### Key Contributions and Impact - **Scientific Contributions** - Yang's work is often compared to that of Albert Einstein, particularly in its impact on the understanding of subatomic particles and fundamental forces [https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/yang-chen-ning-chinese-nobel-laureate-in-physics-and-strong-supporter-of-ntus-scientific-programmes]. - **Legacy in Education** - His role at Tsinghua University was instrumental in nurturing future generations of scientists and fostering international collaboration in research [https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/chinese-nobel-prize-winning-physicist-chen-ning-yang-dies/story]. ### Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy **Chen Ning Yang's death marks the end of an era for theoretical physics.** His groundbreaking work not only advanced scientific understanding but also inspired countless students and researchers worldwide. His contributions to the field, particularly through the Yang-Mills theory and his Nobel-winning research, will continue to influence physics for generations to come. 1. Yang's early life and education set the foundation for his future achievements. 2. His Nobel Prize in 1957 was a landmark moment in physics. 3. The Yang-Mills theory remains a critical component of modern physics. 4. His later career at Tsinghua University solidified his legacy as an educator and mentor. The scientific community mourns the loss of a true pioneer whose work will resonate through the ages [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/education/3666825-update-1-nobel-laureate-chen-ning-yang-dies-at-103-xinhua-says].