On November 16, the School of Physical Science and Technology held the inauguration ceremony for the Center for Fundamental Physics (CFP), marking a significant step forward for ShanghaiTech in the field of fundamental physics research. The center will focus on cutting-edge directions such as high-energy physics, gravitational physics, and astronomy, aiming to build a fundamental physics research platform with international influence. ShanghaiTech President Feng Donglai and SPST Vice Dean Zhang Guangming delivered speeches at the ceremony. Leaders from relevant authorities were present at the scene to congratulate the center on its establishment.
CFP Director Yang Yi introduced its background, research areas, and development goals, and read congratulatory messages from Professor Fernando Alday, University of Oxford, fellow of the Royal Society, and Professor Hermann Nicolai, director of the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics, who are also members of the CFP’s International Advisory Committee and ShanghaiTech visiting professors. CFP’s core members Assistant Professors Alexey S. Koshelev, Alexander Ochirov, and Zhou Jiarui also gave brief introductions to their respective research areas.
In the future, the center will conduct systematic research around quantum gravity which is a core challenge in theoretical physics. In terms of the gravitational wave detection, the center will actively participate in international collaborations for ground-based detection.
Since its founding, the SPST has established a comprehensive research portfolio spanning materials, energy, environment, and health, and has made significant progress. To further enhance the university’s academic influence and overall strength in fundamental physics research, the school began assembling a team concentrating in fundamental physics research at the end of 2022.
The establishment of the CFS not only deepens ShanghaiTech’s strenghth in physics disciplines but also injects new momentum into China’s development in frontier basic sciences such as quantum gravity, cosmology, and gravitational waves. It will promote high-level international cooperation and the cultivation of young talents.