USTC SGY news
Date: March 19, 2026

In memory of renowned physicist and Nobel laureate Tsung-Dao Lee, and to carry forward his educational philosophy of “tailored mentoring and open exchange,” the School of the Gifted Young at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) has formally established the “Tsung-Dao Lee Fellowship.” The fellowship is designed to support outstanding undergraduate researchers to conduct research training at leading universities or research institutions.

The Tsung-Dao Lee Fellowship operates on a dual-track system: scholarships and stipends. The scholarship track specifically rewards top students who pursue research internships at overseas institutions, enabling them to gain hands-on experience at the frontiers of global science. The stipend track provides financial support for living and working expenses during research internships both within China and abroad, ensuring that more students—regardless of financial background—can participate in cross-institutional and cross-border research exchanges.

On July 1, 2025, the inaugural Tsung-Dao Lee Scholarship Award Ceremony was held during the Tsung-Dao Lee Alumni Conference. Professor James Lee, Chair Professor at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and eldest son of Tsung-Dao Lee, personally hosted the event. Together with his son, Professor Andrew Lee, they presented the first awards to the inaugural cohort of students, marking a memorable moment in preserving the scientific legacy and educational vision of Tsung-Dao Lee.

Tsung-Dao Lee was not only celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to physics but also deeply respected for his lifelong commitment to advancing science education in China. In 1978, at his strong recommendation and with his active support, USTC established its first class of gifted young students, breaking away from traditional educational models. The School of the Gifted Young has since adhered to the principles of “identifying exceptional talent and providing individualized mentoring,” developing a distinctive curriculum that emphasizes both depth and flexibility. Lee personally inscribed four messages to the School, each reflecting his enduring belief in nurturing young minds according to their unique potential.

Another landmark initiative was the China-U.S. Physics Examination and Application (CUSPEA) program, launched in 1979. Over the next decade, CUSPEA enabled nearly 1,000 top Chinese physics students to pursue graduate studies in the United States, many of whom went on to become leaders at the forefront of international research. The program served as a vital bridge for scientific exchange between China and the U.S. and cultivated a generation of scholars with both deep roots in their home country and a global perspective.

The Tsung-Dao Lee Fellowship draws direct inspiration from these pioneering efforts. The School of the Gifted Young encourages more students to study and conduct research abroad, broadening their horizons through cross-cultural academic engagement. The fellowship aims to establish a sustainable cycle of “selection, training, and giving back,” preparing highly competitive young researchers with a global outlook.