China Reports Deaths of 5 Academicians and 23 University Professors in Half a Month

People wait for medical attention at Fever Clinic area in Tongren Hospital in the Changning district in Shanghai, on December 23, 2022. HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images

In the first half of May 2024, China witnessed the passing of five academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and 23 notable professors from prestigious universities. Among those who passed away were four professors from Peking University and three professors and senior engineers from Harbin Institute of Technology. The youngest was Chen Haolin, the head of the Information Management Department at Northeast Normal University, who was only 42 years old.

Passing of Five CAS Academicians

Chen Junwu, a senior CAS academician and expert in refining engineering technology, passed away on May 1. Elected as a CAS academician in 1991, he was recognized as a founding figure in catalytic cracking engineering technology.

Han Zhenxiang, an academician specializing in power systems and automation and former president of Zhejiang University, passed away on May 4 in Hangzhou. Elected as a CAS academician in 1999, Mr. Han pioneered the research of power system theory, methods, and new technologies in China.