On August 1, 2024, Li Yan, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Physics, Nanjing University, and Zheng Shengjun, Deputy Secretary of the Youth League Committee, led the Exploring Principles, Forging Innovation social practice team to visit and learn at the Shishan Quantum Computation and Quantum Detection Laboratory. Professor Yu Yang, person in charge of Shishan Laboratory, warmly received the team.
First, the visiting teachers and students toured the exhibition hall of Shishan Laboratory, with Dr. Zhou Haoyu giving explanations. During the session, he elaborated on the laboratory’s establishment background, innovative technologies, and the world-leading solutions developed by the team.
During the visit, students from the School of Physics showed strong interest in the principles and application prospects of quantum mechanics, and expressed great anticipation for the broad prospects of future quantum science research.
Subsequently, the teachers and students visited the research laboratories of Shishan Laboratory and had close access to three large-scale dilution refrigerators there. Dr. Zheng Wen introduced: Our laboratory adopts a superconducting scheme to realize qubits. We use the adiabatic phase change of liquid helium to provide a low temperature of approximately 10 millikelvin for samples. Due to Western blockades, all these refrigerators were recently purchased from domestic manufacturers. The team members deeply felt that the work being carried out by researchers in this laboratory is not only a scientific research project, but also a task of extremely important national strategic research value. Their efforts will make significant contributions to the country’s technological development and human progress.
After the visit, researchers from Shishan Laboratory—who are also current or former students of Nanjing University’s School of Physics—shared their research experiences and career development paths with the visiting teachers and students.
At the sharing session, Professor Yu Yang stated: Shishan Laboratory serves as an academic research and innovation base for the School of Physics in Suzhou, as well as a bridgehead for the school to deepen cooperation with local industries and expand its influence. Physics has the power to change the world, and the next breakthrough that transforms the world is likely to emerge in the field of quantum computing. Our goal is to develop a quantum computer with practical application value.
Subsequently, Secretary Li Yan expressed his gratitude and had a cordial exchange with Professor Yu Yang regarding the goals of this practice activity. During the free Q&A session, students from the practice team showed immense enthusiasm and curiosity, actively raising many in-depth and specific questions to Professor Yu Yang and other researchers. These questions covered various aspects such as the original intention of Shishan Laboratory’s establishment, its short-term goals, and the practical applications of quantum computing, demonstrating the students’ profound understanding and strong interest in the field of quantum computing. Addressing the question of universal concern to the students—what efforts they should make during their undergraduate studies—Dr. Zheng Wen, a postdoctoral fellow at Shishan Laboratory, shared his insights. He emphasized that undergraduate students need to lay a solid disciplinary foundation, which is a prerequisite for in-depth research. Meanwhile, he advocated an interdisciplinary learning approach and encouraged students to cultivate a spirit of innovation, noting that this is particularly crucial for scientific research. Professor Yu Yang offered suggestions from another perspective. He first stressed the importance of loving scientific research, believing that only with genuine passion and dedication can one make rapid progress on the path of scientific research. Secondly, he mentioned that a broad vision is essential for researchers, encouraging students to continuously enrich their knowledge reserves. Finally, Professor Yu Yang specifically highlighted the importance of overcoming shyness and daring to ask questions. He encouraged students not to hesitate to ask due to fear of making mistakes or not understanding, as questioning is an important way to learn and progress.
The suggestions from the two professors not only pointed out the direction for the students but also gave them great encouragement.
After the exchange meeting, the visiting teachers and students took a group photo with members of Professor Yu Yang’s team in front of the laboratory. Through this exchange, the students gained a deeper understanding of the quantum computing field and formed a clearer awareness of how to plan their academic and research careers. Undoubtedly, this study tour organized by the School of Physics, Nanjing University, has exerted a positive impact on the students’ growth and their future choices regarding research paths.
As a shining star in national strategic development, quantum technology carries the grand dream of China’s technological self-reliance and self-improvement. The visit of teachers and students from Nanjing University’s School of Physics to the quantum laboratory is not only an active response to the national strategy, but also a practical action to promote China’s innovation and development in the quantum technology field. As the future and hope of the country, young students’ participation is crucial for cultivating scientific spirit and innovative awareness. Undoubtedly, this activity will stimulate their strong interest in quantum science, laying a solid foundation for nurturing future sci-tech leaders and advancing China’s scientific and technological progress as well as economic and social development.
This exchange between Shishan Laboratory and Nanjing University’s School of Physics has not only strengthened the ties between the two parties, but also opened a new chapter for future scientific research cooperation and resource sharing. Such cooperation has simultaneously injected new vitality into the development of Shishan Laboratory, enabling it to align more closely with the academic community, absorb new ideas and innovations, and embrace the vigorous vitality brought by fresh talent, thereby achieving new breakthroughs in scientific research and technological innovation.
We look forward to the School of Physics of Nanjing University and Shishan Laboratory working hand in hand to create a new chapter in science in the future!
