AWARDEE OF TECHNOLOGICAL SCIENCES PRIZE

WU ZHENGKAI

Abstract

Wu Zhengkai, born in Aug. 1913 in Shanghai, and grown up in Yangzhou, was graduated from Nanking University in 1934.With a   Boxer scholarship, he went to the Department of Physical Chemistry, Cambridge University, England as a candidate of PhD from 1936 to 1939. Then he went back to China, served as professor in Hunan and Zhejiang univercities until 1952, he was transferred to Fudan Univercity as the head of the chemistry department, then as the head   of the new atomic energy department..He taught physical chemistry   and related courses in these univercities for 20 years.  He was called  to the 2nd Ministiy of Machine Building (the Ministry of Nuclear   Industry) to be the scientist responsible for separation of Uranium isotopes.,First in the Institute of Atomic Energy, then as the chief   engineer of the ministry responsible for research, starting the   seperation plant,and the examination of parts and all other concerned   things, such as the production of UF6.  He and his group solved many difficult problems, and timely produced enough required   products.  He was awarded a 1st class medal of invention and other awards. He went back to the Institute of Atomic Energy as a vicedirector in 1972, and led a group to produce 100 curies of Cm242, then he worked as Chief Engineer in the Department of Sciences and   Technology, then as senior scientist in the science and technology committee. Since 1978 he has interest in the new developments in the Molecular science. He accepted the invitation of Fudan Univercity as part time professor for research candidates for PhD degree. He has eight doctors graduated, all doing subjects on molecular dynamics, laser chemistry and laser spectroscopy He advocated these new developments and is one of the leading promoters for research of new developments in China, He was elected Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 1980.During the 20 years of teaching, he has more than 15 students elected to CAS and CAE.