On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s inspection visit to the University of Science and Technology of China, USTC, in collaboration with Xinhuanet, has launched the integrated-media video series “Reading Through a Lens · Guided by Red Commitment and Professional Excellence” , highlighting Party leadership, scientific and technological innovation, and cultural education to tell the stories of dedication and endeavor of USTC people.
At the University of Science and Technology of China, there is a beam of light that has traveled through nearly four decades, illuminating China’s journey toward greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology — it is the National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory’s pursuit of light. In this episode of “Reading Through a Lens · Guided by Red Commitment and Professional Excellence,” let us follow the account of Li Liangbin, Secretary of the Party Committee of the National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (and the School of Nuclear Science and Technology) , and, taking Two Bombs, One Satellite in Memory as our guide, gain a deeper understanding of USTC people’s original aspiration to serve the country and their enduring revolutionary legacy.
“Read more, and when you read, understand the historical context of the times.” Secretary Li Liangbin’s words capture the essence of reading and, even more importantly, reveal the original aspiration behind scientific research. In Two Bombs, One Satellite in Memory, Academician Wang Chengshu’s three decisions to say “I am willing” are deeply moving: in 1958, she devoted herself to thermonuclear fusion research; in 1961, she tackled the critical challenge of producing core fuel for China’s atomic bomb; and after succeeding, she continued to dedicate herself to the country’s nuclear endeavors. Each decision embodied the sincere commitment that “Whenever the nation needs me, I will answer the call.” This conviction — integrating personal aspirations into the mission of the nation — is precisely the spiritual code behind the National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory’s journey from its founding to its growth from strength to strength.
Looking back through history, from the official launch of China’s synchrotron radiation endeavor in 1978 to the substantial completion in 2026 of the buildings for the various units of the Hefei Advanced Light Facility project, the development has helped establish Hefei as a world-class center for photon science and applications and, for the first time, placed a shining “Hefei point” on the global map of synchrotron radiation facilities. From the first-generation Hefei Light Source to today’s Hefei Advanced Light Facility, and from self-reliance under technological blockades to internationally leading performance with a hundredfold increase in brightness, the nearly four-decade journey has witnessed generations of light chasers carrying forward the spirit of “self-reliance, dedication, and excellence,” working collaboratively to overcome key challenges under the leadership of Party building, and integrating individual endeavor into national development. This is precisely the collective strength and devotion to the country conveyed in Two Bombs, One Satellite in Memory.
The “red” of Party building guiding the “blue” of science and technology is the fundamental guarantee for the laboratory’s steady and sustained development. As China’s first national laboratory, a National Demonstration Base for Patriotism Education, and a National Education Base for the Spirit of Scientists, the laboratory has consistently taken Party building as its red engine, integrating political leadership throughout discipline development, talent cultivation, and scientific research. It has established the 8348 Faculty–Student Salon to build consensus through exchanges of ideas; formed the Zhao Zhongyao Hefei Advanced Light Facility Task Force, with Party-member backbones taking the lead in tackling key challenges; and cultivated the “Chasing the Light” science outreach brand so that the scientific spirit and revolutionary legacy can be passed from generation to generation. Guided by Party building, researchers are better able to understand national needs and identify the direction in which they should strive, moving forward with courage and determination on the journey toward high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and strength.
“When one’s personal direction aligns with the needs of the nation and the development of the times, one is no longer alone.” Secretary Li Liangbin’s reflection expresses the shared feeling of those who chase the light and, even more importantly, the mission of scientific researchers in the new era. Today, the Hefei Advanced Light Facility (HALF) is not only a world-leading scientific research platform, but also a vital center for cultivating talent, nurturing values, and carrying forward the scientific spirit.
Each generation has its own Long March, and each generation has its own responsibilities. From “Two Bombs, One Satellite” to the “Light of Synchrotron Radiation,” the journey of the times may change, but the original aspiration to serve the country remains unchanged.
