Shandong University hosted a forum focusing on mathematics development on July 29 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the birth of Pan Chengdong (1934-97), a renowned mathematician and educator in China.

Pan is a distinguished guide in the field of mathematics and an outstanding pioneer in education, said Guan Peijun, vice-president of the China Association of Higher Education, during his speech at the conference. His invaluable academic achievements and two breakthroughs in the research of the Goldbach Conjecture marked major milestones in the development of mathematics in China and the world, he added.

Song Junji, vice-governor of Shandong province, showered praise on Pan for his outstanding contributions to improving the curriculum at Shandong University, boosting the economic and social development of Shandong, and strengthening higher education in China.

He expressed the hope that scientists can learn from the older generation of educators and scientists represented by Pan to forge ahead and contribute to China’s educational and technological development. He also hopes that Shandong University will promote the construction of world-class disciplines with Chinese characteristics, strengthen the cultivation of top-notch innovative talents, and support major national strategies and local high-quality development.

Ren Youqun, Party secretary of Shandong University, stated that Pan’s lifelong pursuit of scientific truth and dedication to education showcases the unique spirit of Chinese educators and scientists. Students and teachers at Shandong University should learn from his innovative spirit of striving for excellence and his pragmatic and enterprising values, to help build Shandong University into a more outstanding and open world-class university with Chinese characteristics, he continued.

President of Shandong University Li Shucai said that the university would learn from the spirit of educators and scientists represented by Pan to enhance its ability to cultivate top-notch innovative talent, strengthen support for high-level technological self-reliance, preserve cultural heritage, and boost innovation.

Liu Jianya, vice-president of Shandong University and a disciple of Pan, recounted Pan's remarkable achievements in number theory, particularly in the research of the Goldbach Conjecture and expressed his profound respect for Pan.

Yuan Yaxiang, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that the number theory school founded by Pan has led to outstanding results. His dedication to fundamental research is admirable and worthy of emulation.

Shandong University hosts a forum focusing on mathematics development on July 30 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the birth of Pan Chengdong (1934-97), a renowned mathematician and educator in China. [Photo/Shandong University]

Ren Youqun (R) presents the appointment certificate for Jiao Zhen, an alumnus from the class of 1982 in mathematics of Shandong University, who was appointed as the deputy director of the Pan Chengdong Award Fund Management Committee at the forum. [Photo/Shandong University]

A collection of Pan Chengdong themed works is released at the forum. [Photo/Shandong University]

A pictorial biography including over 300 photos of Pan's life is released at the forum. [Photo/Shandong University]