A Tribute to Distinguished Alumnus Professor Gao Zhentong

We deeply mourn the loss of Professor Gao Zhentong, a revered alumnus of Tianjin University, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and a highly respected professor at Beihang University. Professor Gao passed away in Beijing on January 21, 2025, at the age of 96. His passing is a profound loss to the academic community, the aerospace field, and to all of us at Tianjin University who honor his legacy.

A profile of Prof. Gao Zhentong

Early Life and the Seeds of Patriotism

Born on November 15, 1928, in Beijing, with ancestral roots in Duchang, Jiangxi Province, Gao Zhentong grew up during a turbulent era in Chinese history brought by the Japanese invasion of China. In his own words, he recalled how his childhood experiences shaped his patriotism and the aspirations that would define his life.

“When I was in primary school, the covers of our textbooks were printed with images of the ruins of the Commercial Press, which had been destroyed by Japanese bombing. After the 1937 July 7th Incident (Lugou Bridge Incident), Beijing fell to the Japanese. My primary school faced a Japanese military camp directly across the street. Japanese soldiers stormed through the streets, creating chaos. Fearing for our safety, the school sealed off the main entrance and opened a back door instead. From that point on, we could only enter and exit through the back door.”

These experiences left Gao with an intense sense of humiliation as a citizen of a subjugated nation, but they also planted the seeds of patriotism in his young heart.

“I dreamed that one day China would be able to manufacture its own airplanes and artillery to resist foreign invaders and protect itself from humiliation.” With that hope in mind, Gao applied to study aeronautical engineering at Peiyang University (now Tianjin University).

In 1947, Gao Zhentong enrolled in the Department of Aeronautics at Peiyang University, driven by a vision to contribute to China’s defense and aviation. However, at the time, China lacked an aviation industry, and studying aeronautical engineering meant facing the likelihood of unemployment upon graduation. Many students switched to other majors, and by the time Gao graduated in 1950, only four students remained in the Department of Aeronautics. He was one of them.

Gao's Graduation Transcript at Peiyang University

During his time at Peiyang University, Gao Zhentong demonstrated remarkable perseverance and a thirst for knowledge. In a selfless pursuit of academic excellence, he traveled every weekend on a green, stuffy train between Tianjin and Beijing to access German-language materials at the Beijing Library. Due to the historical circumstances of the time, there were no English resources available, nor were there direct German-to-Chinese translations. Gao painstakingly used German-Japanese dictionaries to first translate the German texts into Japanese, and then Japanese-Chinese dictionaries to complete the translations into Chinese. This rigorous process, repeated week after week, not only deepened his understanding of aeronautics but also elevated his proficiency in German to an exceptional level.

Gao’s commitment to academic rigor was also reflected in his grades. A copy of his transcript from his time at Peiyang University reveals perfect scores in German (100 points) and near-perfect scores in Russian (99 points). He later shared a humorous yet humbling story about how the 99 in Russian became a lifelong lesson in precision. Feeling indignant at losing just one point, the young Gao approached his instructor to argue his case, only to learn that the deduction was for a misplaced punctuation mark. This experience left a lasting impression on him, underscoring the importance of meticulousness and the rigorous academic atmosphere of Peiyang University.

A Life Dedicated to Nation and Science

After graduating in 1950, Gao Zhentong began his teaching career at Tsinghua University. In 1952, during the establishment of the Beijing Institute of Aeronautics (now Beihang University), Gao transferred to the new institution, where he dedicated the rest of his life to teaching and research. Over the decades, he served in pivotal roles such as Director of the Materials Mechanics Laboratory and Director of the Institute of Solid Mechanics. His lifelong dedication to education and scientific innovation laid the foundation for his extraordinary contributions to the field of structural fatigue and reliability in aerospace engineering.

Professor Gao was a trailblazer in the field of aircraft structural fatigue and reliability. His pioneering research resulted in groundbreaking achievements that not only advanced China’s aerospace industry but also earned international acclaim. He developed the theory of structural life reliability and established the applied statistical science branch of structural fatigue in China, making significant contributions to global scientific progress. As one of the most influential scientists in this field, Professor Gao’s work shaped the development of modern aviation and elevated China’s position on the global stage.

His practical contributions to the nation’s aviation industry were equally profound. Collaborating with industry partners, Professor Gao led efforts to build the Aircraft Structural Life Reliability Expert System, which has been successfully applied to over 20 aircraft models and thousands of planes, including fighter jets, bombers, and transport aircraft. This system not only enhanced the safety and longevity of these aircraft but also significantly advanced China’s aerospace capabilities.

A Dedicated Educator and Compassionate Leader

As an educator, Professor Gao exhibited an unwavering commitment to nurturing talent. Over his illustrious career, he mentored countless students, including six academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and over 100 doctoral and postdoctoral researchers. His efforts shaped generations of leaders in aerospace science and engineering, leaving an indelible mark on the field. His dedication to teaching reflected the values instilled in him during his time at Peiyang University—rigor, innovation, and a commitment to serving the nation.

Professor Gao’s achievements were recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the First, Second, and Third Prizes for National Scientific and Technological Progress, the Second Prize for National Technological Invention, and the Third Prize for National Natural Science. He was also honored as a national model worker in education, an advanced technological worker in higher education, and an outstanding doctoral advisor.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Professor Gao embodied the spirit of compassion and selflessness. He was deeply committed to public service and philanthropy, donating over two million yuan to charitable causes and establishing the Gao Zhentong Scholarship to support the next generation of talent. His generosity earned him the “Love Contribution Award” from the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the “Capital Moral Model” title, and numerous other awards for his charitable contributions.

A Legacy That Inspires Generations

Professor Gao Zhentong’s life was one of profound dedication to his country, his field, and to the students he guided. His legacy reflects the values that Tianjin University cherishes: a relentless pursuit of excellence, a commitment to innovation, and an unwavering sense of responsibility to society. As an alumnus, he epitomized the mission of Tianjin University to cultivate individuals who serve the nation and the people with distinction.

Prof. Gao wrote a poem in celebration of Tianjin University's 120th anniversary.

As we reflect on his extraordinary life, we are reminded of his enduring connection to Tianjin University. It was here that Professor Gao laid the foundation for his illustrious career, and it was here that he developed the values and vision that guided his contributions to the nation. His journey inspires not only pride but also a sense of responsibility among all of us at Tianjin University to continue his legacy of service, innovation, and excellence.

Professor Gao Zhentong’s passing is an immense loss, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. His contributions to science, education, and society will forever be etched into the history of our university, our nation, and the world.

We extend our deepest condolences to Professor Gao’s family, friends, and colleagues. His life and work remind us of the impact one individual can have on a nation and its future.

Professor Gao Zhentong, your alma mater salutes you. Your spirit will forever remain a part of Tianjin University, and your legacy will continue to inspire us to reach for the skies, just as you did. May you rest in eternal peace.

By Eva Yin