On the afternoon of December 5, 2025, the “Academicians Visit Secondary Schools” series of events organized by the School of Mathematical Sciences at Shenzhen University was held successively at the High School Division of Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (Group) and Shenzhen Senior High School (Group). Professor Xi Nanhua, President of the Chinese Mathematical Society, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Researcher at the Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science, CAS, along with Professor Shen Weixiao, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Dean of the School of Mathematical Sciences at Fudan University, visited the campuses respectively. They delivered two distinctive mathematics lectures to secondary school students, guiding them to appreciate the profoundness and beauty of mathematics.
Academician Xi Nanhua Discusses “Mathematical Conjectures”
At Shenzhen Senior High School (Group), Academician Xi Nanhua delivered a special report titled “Mathematical Conjectures.” Attendees included Sun Zongliang, Dean of the School of Mathematical Sciences and Head of the Department of Pure Mathematics at Shenzhen University; Duan Guoqing, Vice Principal of Shenzhen Senior High School (Group); Yang Zhe, Director of the Student Development Department; and Wu Zhijun, Director of the Innovation Education Research Center.
Academician Xi engaged students in an extraordinary dialogue. He first elucidated the allure of mathematical conjectures—often originating from simple questions yet sparking decades or even centuries of exploration. Using examples like the Goldbach Conjecture and the Hagiwara Conjecture, he vividly explained their essence, appeal, and the step-by-step journey of mathematicians' investigations. He particularly encouraged students, emphasizing that proposing good conjectures requires not only solid knowledge but also invaluable imagination and the courage to explore. During the interactive session, students actively posed questions about the significance of conjectures and mathematical learning methods. Academician Xi patiently addressed their inquiries, fostering a lively atmosphere.
Academician Shen Weixiao Leads “The Journey of Finding Roots of Polynomials”
At the High School Division of Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (Group), Academician Shen Weixiao delivered an engaging lecture titled “The Journey of Finding Roots of Polynomials.” Hu Yaohua, Vice Dean of the School of Mathematical Sciences at Shenzhen University; Guang Lei, Vice Principal of Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (Group); Shi Shifeng, Deputy Director of the Liberal Arts College; along with faculty and student representatives attended the event.
Starting from the fundamental problem of finding roots of polynomials, Academician Shen traced the historical development of algebraic equation solving with profound historical perspective. He began with ancient methods for solving linear and quadratic equations, gradually extending to the controversies surrounding formulaic solutions for cubic and quartic equations, and naturally introduced the birth of the crucial mathematical concept of complex numbers. He also introduced the groundbreaking conclusion that equations of degree five or higher have no general rational solutions, and the resulting emergence of group theory and modern algebra. Through this chronological exposition spanning ancient and modern times, Academician Shen demonstrated to students the inherent continuity and creativity within the discipline of mathematics. He emphasized that “solving an equation often gives birth to a new discipline,” encouraging students to understand the profound connections between different branches of mathematics and appreciate the appeal of interdisciplinary thinking. The lecture was both accessible and profound, featuring lively on-site interaction and receiving enthusiastic feedback.
This “Academicians in Secondary Schools” initiative represents not only a knowledge exchange between top scientists and young scholars but also a significant practice by Shenzhen University's School of Mathematical Sciences in actively fulfilling its mission of science communication and bridging academic frontiers with basic education. Through meticulously planned lecture series, the school has built a bridge extending from university halls to secondary classrooms, allowing abstract mathematical concepts to permeate students' minds in vivid and tangible ways. This reflects the School's systematic commitment and long-term vision to promote mathematical literacy and ignite scientific curiosity among youth. Moving forward, the School of Mathematical Sciences will continue to deepen such signature science outreach initiatives, actively integrating into early talent cultivation within basic education. This effort aims to strengthen the foundation of national mathematical talent and foster a societal atmosphere that cherishes mathematics and reveres science, contributing the power of higher education to this cause.
