Dear TIRF Board Members and Supporters,

In this month’s Chair’s Report, I would like to reflect on the life and legacy of an extraordinary scientist whom I had the privilege of meeting during my time at Stony Brook University, where I served as Vice President and Vice Provost for Global Affairs from 2016 to 2021.

The scientific community recently lost a towering figure in theoretical physics, Chen-Ning Yang—affectionately known as Frank Yang—who passed away on October 18, 2025, at the remarkable age of 103. His groundbreaking contributions have left an indelible mark on physics, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of scientists around the world.

Born in Hefei, China, in 1922, Yang’s journey to becoming one of the most influential physicists of the 20^th century was nothing short of extraordinary. His collaboration with Tsung-Dao Lee led to their joint Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957 for their revolutionary work on the violation of parity conservation in weak interactions—a discovery that challenged long-held assumptions and fundamentally reshaped our understanding of particle physics.

Yang’s tenure at Stony Brook University spanned 37 years. There, he was not only a distinguished professor but also a beloved mentor to countless students and researchers. His vision and presence helped transform Stony Brook into a center of excellence and innovation in physics. His passion for education and belief in the transformative power of knowledge left an enduring imprint on the university’s academic culture.

Beyond his scientific brilliance, Yang was a strong advocate for collaboration and interdisciplinary exchange. He deeply valued dialogue across fields and frequently emphasized the importance of connecting theoretical ideas with practical applications. His intellectual rigor, humility, and humanity made him a deeply respected and admired figure within the global scientific community.

I had the honor of meeting Frank Yang on three occasions, each leaving a lasting impression. One particularly memorable encounter occurred in 2017, when I invited him to address prospective students at a Stony Brook University event in Beijing. Standing before an eager audience, Yang spoke for about seven minutes—sharing reflections on his life, his research, and his experiences at Stony Brook—while encouraging students to consider studying abroad. His sharp intellect, wit, and humor captivated everyone in the room, and within minutes, at least 20 students made deposits to apply to the university.

After the event, during a casual conversation, Yang mentioned his aspiration to live to 100—a wish he realized with grace. He also recalled, with striking clarity, the names of many colleagues he had worked with before returning to China, reflecting his deep connections and lifelong dedication to fostering relationships within the scientific community.

Inspired by Frank Yang’s legacy, I later helped establish a Sino–U.S. educational initiative, the Stony Brook Institute at Anhui University, featuring calligraphy created by Yang himself.

As we reflect on the life of Chen-Ning Yang, we celebrate not only his exceptional scientific achievements but also his enduring commitment to teaching, mentorship, and the pursuit of knowledge. His legacy is etched not only in the annals of physics but also in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. We are deeply grateful for his contributions to science and to humanity, and we will continue to draw inspiration from his remarkable life.

At TIRF, we are reminded once again that legacies like Professor Yang’s resonate far beyond any single discipline or institution. His belief in knowledge as a bridge between cultures and a catalyst for opportunity echoes deeply with our Foundation’s purpose. As we continue supporting research, mentorship, and global collaboration in English language education, we honor leaders like him—whose lives illuminate how scholarship and human connection can truly shape the world.

Warm regards,

Jun Liu, PhD

TIRF President