French Nobel Prize-winning scientist joins Chinese university

(CLO) French physicist and Nobel laureate Gérard Mourou has officially joined Peking University's school of physics as a dean, where he is expected to play a "key" role in establishing a research institute focused on science and international cooperation.

Mourou’s appointment was announced on the university’s website on Monday. The 80-year-old scientist began his new job on October 12 and has been meeting students and researchers in the teaching and research facilities in his first weeks.

Nobel Prize-winning French laser scientist Gérard Mourou. Photo: SCMP

The school expects Mr. Mourou to make an important contribution to the establishment of the new research institute, with research directions including laser physics, particle and nuclear physics, medical physics and astrophysics.

In 2018, Mr. Mourou received the Nobel Prize in Physics for his pioneering contributions to chirped pulse amplification (CPA) – a technology that enables ultrafast laser applications in areas such as eye surgery and precision manufacturing.

During his career, Mr. Mourou has had many long-term collaborations with universities and organizations in China and highly appreciates the country's progress in the field of science.

Mr. Mourou played a key role in developing the multi-beam laser facility, a joint project between Peking University, the École Polytechnique in Paris and global technology company Thales.

At a public event in Beijing, shortly after receiving the Nobel Prize, Mr. Mourou expressed his admiration for China's scientific progress: "The gap is really narrowing. I am amazed by this progress. I don't know how we can do better."

Cao Phong (according to SCMP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nha-khoa-hoc-phap-doat-giai-nobel-gia-nhap-truong-dai-hoc-hang-dau-trung-quoc-post318389.html