| Authorised form of name | Zhou; Guangzhao (1929 - 2024); Theoretical physicist |
| Dates | 1929 - 2024 |
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Place of birth | Changsha, Hunan, China, Asia |
| Date of birth | 15/05/1929 |
| Place of death | Beijing, Northern China, Asia |
| Date of death | 15/08/2024 |
| Occupation | theoretical physicist |
| Research field | Theoretical physics |
| Particle physics |
| Activity | Education:
Tsinghua University, Physics, B.S (1947-1951); Beijing University, Graduate School, Theoretical Physics, M.S. (1951-1954)
Career:
Researcher for the Dubra Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Moscow (1957); returned to China (1960); director of the Chinese Nuclear Weapons Research Institute, now the China Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP); elected to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), becoming Vice President (1984–1987) and President (1987–1997).
Memberships:
US National Academy of Sciences 1987 |
| Membership category | Foreign Member |
| Date of election | 19/04/2012 |
| Age at election | 82 |
| PublishedWorks | RCN R81999 |
| OtherInfo | Renowned for his discovery of PCAC — partial conservation of axial current —widely considered to be one of the most important contributions to particle physics. PCAC is key to understanding the interactions of fundamental particles known as pions. In statistical mechanics and condensed matter physics, Guangzhao’s work on Green’s function has applications that include laser and plasma physics.
Proved an important theorem relating to the ratios of the products of particle decay and a concept known as charge–parity–time (CPT) invariance. He also made important contributions to detonation physics, radiation hydrodynamics and computing methods in mechanics.
Played a leading role in helping Chinese scientists to prepare for a knowledge-based economy. He was widely respected for his work to promote international science exchange and inspire young scientists.
Contributed to designing China's first atomic and hydrogen bombs.
The asteroid 3462 Zhouguangzhao is named after him. |
| Source | The Royal Society Fellows Directory, Professor Guangzhao Zhou ForMemRS [URL: https://royalsociety.org/people/guangzhao-zhou-12587/; last accessed: 19/02/2025]
Honorary Degree Congregation, The University of Hong Kong, Biography, Zhou Guangzhao [URL: https://www4.hku.hk/hongrads/graduates/honorary-degree-of-doctor-of-science-guangzhao-zhou-zhou-guangzhao; last accessed: 19/02/2025] |
| Code | NA9774 |
Archives associated with this Fellow
| RefNo | Title | Date |
| EC/2012/52 | Zhou, Guangzhao: certificate of election to the Royal Society | |