Since its establishment in 1973, the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP) has experienced significant growth

Dr. WANG Yifang (Image by IHEP)

 as well as difficult times. It now has three major research directions: particle physics and astrophysics, advanced accelerator physics and technologies, and synchrotron and nuclear radiation technologies and applications. Making the most of its large-scale science facilities and interdisciplinary interactions, IHEP has become a large, comprehensive and internationally renowned institution for fundamental and applied sciences, playing a significant role in the nation’s innovation development system.

In this new century, IHEP encounters unprecedented opportunities but also faces great challenges. The completion of the Beijing Electron Positron Collider (BEPCII) signals IHEP’s role as one of the world’s advanced institutions for accelerator and detector technologies, but also challenges us to obtain first-class physics results. The Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment has led our neutrino physics program into the international limelight.

The newly-launched China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) is a touchstone for IHEP’s innovation and organization capabilities, since off-site large science project construction will become normal for IHEP. For CSNS we have to go to Guangdong, for cosmic ray research we have to go to Tibet, while for neutrino and dark matter searches we have to go deep underground. In addition, we are heavily involved in space-based projects such as satellites and the planned Chinese space station. The R&D of the Accelerator-Driven Sub-critical System (ADS) and the Beijing Light Source will bring us beyond 2020. In light of the new environment and challenges, we need to significantly increase the number of talented researchers at IHEP, establish a modern management system, and improve our research atmosphere.

IHEP’s glorious history and bright future depend on the wisdom and hard work of our staff, as well as the support of our nation and society. Only together can we complete the tasks before us and make a lasting contribution to the nation of China, to science and to humanity.

WANG Yifang

October, 2011