Author: Shing-Tung Yau, Chair Professor at Tsinghua University, Dean of the Qiu Zhen Academy, and President of the Beijing Yanqi Lake Institute for Applied Mathematics.
This article is reproduced from People's Daily (12 November 2025, Page 11: Culture).
The essence of mathematics lies in profound thought and impeccable logic. An interest in mathematics springs from curiosity about the mysteries of the universe and an unwavering pursuit of truth. Cultivating top-tier mathematical talent and conducting world-class mathematical research requires discarding superficiality, dedicating oneself to scholarly endeavours, and returning to the core of the scientific spirit—curiosity about the unknown, exploration of truth, and pursuit of the beauty of nature.
In recent years, China's mathematical disciplines have made significant strides, with a cohort of outstanding young scholars nurtured domestically emerging on the international academic stage. While acknowledging these achievements, we must also recognise considerable room for improvement in original research and the cultivation of top-tier talent.
Presently, some researchers regard securing titles from various talent programmes—so-called 'hats'—as the primary objective of their academic careers. Certain universities and research institutions recruit based on these "hats" and rely on them to evaluate talent. This approach risks encouraging promising young scholars to follow trends, opting for research directions where publishing papers is relatively easier, rather than dedicating themselves to tackling challenging problems that demand substantial effort. Such short-sighted practices not only lead to imbalances in the allocation of academic resources but also undermine the healthy development of the academic ecosystem.
A robust academic ecosystem hinges on fostering an environment of fair competition and an atmosphere of free inquiry, encouraging researchers to pursue challenging, original work. A first-rate academic environment signifies solid scholarly foundations and sustained talent development; conversely, only such an environment can cultivate top-tier scholars and yield groundbreaking achievements. We must establish long-term evaluation systems that prioritise the originality and international impact of academic contributions. Concurrently, we must safeguard young scholars' research conditions and provide them with a relatively favourable living environment, enabling them to pursue their work with peace of mind.
The finest mathematical minds should possess extensive knowledge reserves and profound humanistic cultivation. If truth is likened to a mountain, literature, history, philosophy, and mathematics represent different vantage points from which to view that mountain. Disciplines are interconnected, all exploring truth and the beauty of nature. Reflecting on the history of mathematical research and development, many great mathematicians drew inspiration from literature and the arts. Major breakthroughs in mathematics often stemmed from mathematicians' broad perspectives and interdisciplinary thinking. If young people with mathematical talent are confined to narrow research fields at an early stage, lacking even a basic understanding of related disciplines or the humanities and arts, they risk becoming rigidly conventional or blinded by a single leaf to the view of the entire mountain.
Without the fertile soil of scientific culture, great scientists cannot be nurtured, and it becomes even more difficult to produce scholars capable of pioneering new directions in their fields. For the Chinese people, the excellent traditions of Chinese culture provide such fertile ground. Students should be encouraged to read classics in philosophy, history, and literature to elevate their intellectual horizons. Simultaneously, emphasis should be placed on imparting the historical context and developmental trajectory of key mathematical ideas, guiding students to appreciate the beauty of mathematics and experience the allure of mathematical creation. Only by cultivating scholars possessing both professional depth and humanistic breadth can Chinese mathematics truly attain world-class standing.
Nurturing mathematical talent demands strategic vision and steadfast resolve. We must courageously dismantle the worship of academic titles and reshape evaluation systems; reform educational models to ignite student enthusiasm; foster a healthy academic ecosystem that rejects utilitarian approaches to talent recruitment; and prioritise humanistic cultivation to develop well-rounded individuals. This path demands sustained investment and patience. I look forward to concerted efforts across all sectors transforming China into fertile ground for nurturing mathematical talent, elevating Chinese mathematical research to the world's foremost ranks.
(Interviewed and compiled by Huang Xiaohui)
Reprinted from People's Daily