On Feb.19, Chinese mathematician Wu Wenjun received one of the two State Supreme Scientific and Technological 5-million yuan awards. The other winner is Yuan Longping, "father of hybrid rice".
Wu might have been less known domestically than internationally, for what he had done in topology was acclaimed half a century ago.
He studied mathematics in France. Upon his graduation in early 50's, he returned to China.
In 1956, Wu won the highest award for sciences in China, together with Qian Xuesen, "father of modern Chinese rocket" and Hua Luogeng, another mathematician.
A year later, Wu was elected a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and later an academician.
Inspired by algorithm of ancient China and computer technology starting to boom at the end of the 1970s, Wu turned to another field--proving geometrical theorems through computers, thus developing a road to mathematical mechanization. The result, leading in the world, was widely applied to high-tech industries. Through dozens of years of hard work, a "Wu Center" was set up, and a mathematical "Wu School" founded. His theory about mathematical mechanization has since then leading in the world.
According to Wu, the research on mathematical mechanization is just at a beginning stage, limited in fields of algebraic geometry and differential geometry. "How to expand its dimension is a major concern for a long time to come," he said.
After retirement, Wu is still engaged in researching. At the age of 82, he is still quick at walking, speaking and thinking. His mind is forever young and active. Under his guidance, Chinese scientists have made initial achievements in mathematical mechanization. For example, the software on computer proof of inequality is advanced in the world; the high-quality compression and reproduction system has improved the compression ratio of images by 240 times; and the Chinese jigsaw algorithm can be used in the camouflage techniques.
When asked if he would give money to set up a fund under his name, he said, "Possible, but I don't think it necessary to use my name."
The Chinese-American scientist Chen-Ning Yang, winner of the 1957 Nobel Prize in physics predicted that China would have Noble-Prize winner in the next 20 to 30 years and a mathematician might be the first.
"I am not working for prize," said Wu. "I won prize because I worked hard and well." Proud of Chinese science and technology, he maintained that many scientists have made outstanding contributions, and they have boosted the morale of the Chinese nation. So the establishment of a state award for science and technology is highly applaudable both in China and the world.
"All his time is given to academic research, leaving none for house work," his wife said. "But when he is free, he likes reading." All rooms of his have been full of books in mathematics and history, in Chinese and foreign language. "I like to read about history," Wu smiled.
(CIIC by Li Jinhui 03/07/2001)
