China’s scientific community, Nobel laureate and renowned French physicist Gérard Mourou has recently accepted a prestigious chair professorship at Peking University’s School of Physics. His appointment signals a commitment to international collaboration and high-level research in one of the world’s rapidly advancing scientific landscapes. Mourou’s position, which officially commenced on October 12, highlights China’s appeal as a global research hub, attracting a growing number of top-tier international scholars.
Born in 1944 in Albertville, France, Mourou’s pioneering contributions to laser physics have cemented his position as one of the foremost figures in his field. He earned his doctorate in physics from Pierre and Marie Curie University (now Sorbonne University) in 1973, a formative step that set him on a path of groundbreaking research. His work in the United States, notably at the University of Rochester and later at the University of Michigan, led to the development of chirped pulse amplification (CPA)—a transformative technique that enabled the creation of ultra-fast, high-intensity lasers. This innovation, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2018, has paved the way for new applications in eye surgery, manufacturing, and scientific exploration.
At the University of Michigan, Mourou founded the Center for Ultrafast Optical Science, reinforcing his reputation as an innovator and leader. His later work at France’s École Polytechnique helped establish the groundwork for laser technology’s next-generation applications. In accepting his new role at Peking University, Mourou will contribute to fostering a rich environment for research, innovation, and international scientific collaboration in China.
Peking University’s announcement of Mourou’s appointment coincided with news of a planned research institute dedicated to advanced studies in laser physics, particle and nuclear physics, medical physics, and astrophysics. This institute aims to serve as a focal point for scientific breakthroughs, integrating Mourou’s expertise with Peking University’s top-tier research facilities and interdisciplinary approach.
Over the coming weeks, Mourou is expected to engage closely with faculty, researchers, and students. His mentorship is anticipated to enrich the academic environment, with a particular focus on mentoring young researchers who are likely to benefit from his deep expertise and global perspective. Peking University’s commitment to supporting Mourou’s work aligns with its larger mission of becoming a world-class research institution capable of competing with top universities worldwide.
Mourou has long been an outspoken advocate of China’s scientific advancements. Following his Nobel Prize win in 2018, he visited Beijing, where he praised the country’s progress in science and technology. “The gap is really narrowing,” Mourou remarked, noting his admiration for China’s fast-paced developments in scientific research. His positive perception of China’s advancements appears to have influenced his decision to accept this role, positioning him as an ally in China’s efforts to bridge the gap with Western research institutions.
Mourou’s appointment is part of a broader trend of China successfully attracting elite global scholars and researchers. Recent years have seen a marked increase in the number of Western academics taking on roles at Chinese universities, drawn by the country’s expanding research funding, sophisticated research facilities, and opportunities for innovative work. One such example is Michael Owen Jordan, a prominent figure in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence. Jordan, who holds a distinguished professorship at the University of California, Berkeley, accepted an honorary professorship at Tsinghua University in Beijing last year, reflecting China’s growing appeal to prominent researchers in the AI field.
Jordan’s move was not only symbolic of China’s allure but also a testament to the country’s commitment to leading in high-tech fields. In recognition of his contributions to machine learning, Jordan received the World Laureates Association Prize in 2022, further cementing China’s commitment to welcoming global leaders in scientific research and technology.
The appeal of China as a research destination is not solely based on its funding and state-of-the-art facilities; it is also influenced by the shifting geopolitical climate. Increasing tensions between the U.S. and China, coupled with heightened scrutiny of Chinese academics in the West, have led many Chinese scholars to return home, where they feel they can pursue their research with greater support and security. For example, Chinese-born mathematician Sun Song, who spent over a decade at the University of California, Berkeley, accepted a full-time professorship in China earlier this year, citing the growing challenges faced by Chinese researchers in the U.S.
Similarly, renowned biochemist Kunliang Guan, after three decades in the United States, returned to China to assume a chair professor position at Westlake University in Zhejiang province. Guan’s decision underscores the importance of a supportive research environment, which China has been keen to provide in response to international developments. These cases demonstrate a trend of highly qualified Chinese scientists and academics returning to China, a trend that Beijing has actively encouraged through policies that reward scientific achievements and foster research opportunities.
China’s research ecosystem has been enriched by the influx of both international talent and returning Chinese scholars, creating a uniquely collaborative environment that combines diverse perspectives. Mourou’s past collaborations, which include a laser-driven, multi-beam facility developed with Peking University, the École Polytechnique, and global tech company Thales, serve as a blueprint for future international partnerships.
China’s large-scale research initiatives have made it a central player in various scientific fields, from quantum computing to genetic engineering. As the country pushes forward, Mourou’s presence is likely to further enhance its profile in laser and optical research. His contributions to the Extreme Light Infrastructure, a project that developed high-powered laser facilities across Europe, illustrate his vision for advancing cutting-edge technology. The upcoming Peking University research institute will enable him to apply this vision in a new setting, potentially spurring similar large-scale projects in China.
Peking University’s recruitment of Mourou reflects its ambitious vision of becoming a global leader in scientific innovation and research. Founded in 1898, the institution has evolved into one of China’s foremost research universities, producing influential research across a range of disciplines. Its strategic focus on expanding international partnerships and attracting top talent has enabled it to build a strong reputation on the world stage.
Through Mourou’s appointment, the university seeks to strengthen its position in laser and optical research, a field with numerous practical applications, including in medicine, manufacturing, and astrophysics. As laser technology continues to evolve, Mourou’s involvement is expected to help Peking University stay at the forefront of this fast-growing domain.
China’s support of academic pursuits in these areas also extends to building top-tier facilities and offering robust funding, allowing researchers to tackle complex scientific challenges. In this environment, Peking University is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of physics and optics, leveraging Mourou’s expertise to achieve scientific breakthroughs.
China’s investment in research and development has increased steadily over the past decade, part of a broader strategy to position itself as a leader in high-tech industries. This strategy is closely aligned with Mourou’s field of expertise, which has implications for both fundamental research and applied sciences. Laser physics, for instance, has broad applications in fields ranging from medical imaging to materials science, positioning China to make substantial contributions to technological advancements.
Mourou’s experience and leadership will be crucial as China navigates this shift, creating an ecosystem where science, technology, and industry converge. The institute he helps establish at Peking University is expected to drive the development of new laser technologies, which could have far-reaching impacts across multiple sectors.
