Hu Hesheng facts for kids

Hu Hesheng (Chinese: 胡和生; pinyin: Hú Héshēng) was a brilliant Chinese mathematician. She was born on June 20, 1928, and passed away on February 2, 2024. She made many important discoveries in mathematics.

Hu Hesheng held many important positions during her career. She was the vice-president of the Chinese Mathematical Society. She also led the Shanghai Mathematical Society as its president. She was chosen as an academician of the Chinese Academy of Science. This is a very high honor for scientists in China. In 2002, she was invited to give a very special talk called the Noether Lecture.

Becoming a Mathematician

Hu Hesheng was born in Shanghai, a big city in China. She loved mathematics from a young age. She studied math at two universities: National Chiao Tung University and Great China University.

In 1952, she earned her master's degree in mathematics. She got this degree from Zhejiang University. Her teacher and guide during this time was a famous mathematician named Su Buqing.

Early Career and Teaching

After finishing her studies, Hu Hesheng worked as a researcher. From 1952 to 1956, she was at the Institute of Mathematics. This institute is part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

In 1956, she started teaching at Fudan University in Shanghai. She began as a lecturer, which is a teaching position. Over time, she became an associate professor. Eventually, she became a full-time professor. This means she was a top teacher and researcher at the university.

Important Awards and Roles

Hu Hesheng was a very respected mathematician. She held several important leadership roles. She was the vice-president of the Chinese Mathematical Society. She also served as the president of the Shanghai Mathematical Society.

In 2002, she received a special honor. She was chosen as the Emmy Noether Lecturer. This lecture is given at the International Congress of Mathematicians. It's a very big meeting for mathematicians from all over the world. That year, the meeting was held in Beijing, China.

Recognized for Her Work

Hu Hesheng was recognized for her amazing contributions to science. In 1991, she was elected as an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This is like being a member of a very exclusive club for top scientists.

Later, in 2003, she also became an academician of the Third World Academy of Science. This shows that her work was important not just in China, but around the world.

What She Studied

Hu Hesheng's main areas of study were differential geometry and mathematical physics. Differential geometry uses math to study shapes and spaces. Mathematical physics uses math to understand how the world works, like gravity or energy.

During the 1980s and 1990s, she led a research group. This group was at Fudan University. They worked together on new ideas in these math fields.

Her Family Life

Hu Hesheng was married to another famous mathematician. His name was Gu Chaohao. He was also a very smart person. He even served as the president of the University of Science and Technology of China.

They were married for many years. Gu Chaohao passed away in 2012. Hu Hesheng herself passed away on February 2, 2024, at the age of 95.

See also

In Spanish: Hu Hesheng para niños