【TJU 130】Sheng Jing: A Life Devoted to Science and Education

Professor Sheng Jing, a renowned expert in polymer materials and former doctoral advisor at the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Tianjin University, has been recognized for his lifelong dedication to scientific research and higher education. With a career spanning more than six decades, Sheng has played a pivotal role in advancing China's polymer science discipline and mentoring generations of students.

Born in 1937, Sheng graduated from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Tianjin University in 1961 and went on to complete his postgraduate studies at the same institution in 1965. From 1980 to 1982, he conducted research as a visiting scholar in the Department of Polymer Science and Engineering at the University of Massachusetts in the United States, where he gained international experience that further enriched his academic work.

Throughout his career, Sheng’s research centered on the structure and properties of polymers, including studies in polymer crystallization, morphology, modification, reaction processing, and polymer blends. He led numerous national and regional research projects, contributing significant advancements in the field. His work was widely published, with over one hundred academic papers and multiple awards, including several prizes from Tianjin municipal authorities, the Ministry of Education, and a national science and technology achievement award.

Sheng was widely known for his academic rigor and unyielding commitment to scientific integrity. During his time in the United States, he repeated a key experiment more than one hundred times to verify its accuracy, eventually correcting an error in a published study. His persistence and dedication earned the respect of his international peers. He also improved laboratory testing equipment and shared his innovations with local researchers, demonstrating both technical ingenuity and a spirit of collaboration.

Returning to Tianjin University in the early 1980s, Sheng became a cornerstone in rebuilding and strengthening the polymer program. He made decisive contributions to the development of curriculum and laboratory resources and proposed a long-term research framework that remains foundational to the university’s approach today. At a time when polymer science was still emerging in China, he insisted on high academic standards, personally guiding students in literature review, experiment design, and paper writing. Former students recall his careful attention to detail, his willingness to explain complex theories repeatedly, and his unwavering insistence that researchers uphold scientific precision at every step.

Sheng also placed strong emphasis on international engagement and academic exchange, encouraging young scholars to attend conferences and broaden their research perspectives. In faculty development, he actively participated in the recruitment of new talent and supported younger colleagues in building independent research teams. His vision and efforts significantly contributed to the establishment of a research culture rooted in diligence, collaboration, and pursuit of excellence.

Despite the challenges of an evolving academic landscape, Sheng remained deeply committed to his teaching mission. He prepared for every lecture with meticulous care and required himself to write out every formula and diagram clearly on the blackboard, believing that clarity in teaching reflects a teacher’s respect for students. His guidance shaped not only the academic careers of his students but also their values, encouraging them to engage with real-world challenges and to serve the needs of the nation through scientific inquiry.

Now retired, Sheng still keeps in touch with many of his former students and continues to follow developments in the field of materials science. His legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of Tianjin University’s academic history. From early experiments in polymer crystallization to building research teams and mentoring young scholars, every stage of his life reflects a quiet, steady dedication to the advancement of science and education. His story stands as an enduring example of integrity, perseverance, and lifelong contribution to knowledge.

By: Qin Mian