Deng Jiaxian

Who was Deng Jiaxian?

Deng Jiaxian was born on June 25, 1924, in Huaining, Anhui province, and died on July 29th, 1986 in Beijing. He was a nuclear physics expert and academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences. He was a leading organizer and key contributor to the Chinese nuclear weapon programs.

Deng Jiaxian completed his PhD in physics at Purdue University in 1950. Just 9 days after graduation, he decided to return to China to contribute to the scientific development of the newly founded People's Republic. From 1958 on, Deng spent over 20 years working secretly with a team of young scientists on the development of the nuclear and hydrogen bomb for China, culminating in success in 1964 and 1967.

Deng Jiaxian is regarded as the "Father of China's Nuclear Program." In 1999, he was posthumously awarded the National Merit Medal for his contributions to Chinese military science, along with 22 other scientists.