Stony Brook Gets $1M Gift to Establish Endowed Physics and Astronomy Chair

A Beijing-based doctor has made a $1 million gift to Stony Brook University to establish an endowed chair in physics and astronomy in honor of a Nobel-prize-winning scientist who later established the university's Institute for Theoretical Physics.

The Yang Chen Ning – Deng Wei Endowed Chair in Physics and Astronomy, made possible by the gift from Dr. Deng Wei, honors C.N. Yang, who won a Nobel prize in 1957, joined the Stony Brook University faculty in 1966, and established what would become the C.N. Yang Institue for Theoretical Physics. Wei himself is the founder of the Beijing-based company Bright Oceans Corporation.

"It is apparent to me that the work that continues to thrive at Stony Brook is extremely worthwhile, and merits this gift, which will honor Dr. Yang’s scientific legacy," Deng said in a statement. "I am sure that in the hands of Dr. Stanley and his colleagues, this donation will help Stony Brook promote the exchange of top-notch achievements in physics and astronomy around the world and foster their application and promotion in the areas of innovation, research and development, which will benefit bilateral collaboration regarding education and scientific research, therefore make new and greater contribution to the peaceful development of mankind."

University President Dr. Samuel L. Stanley Jr. called the gift "a catalyst for new research and innovation" that has the potential to benefit not just Stony Brook, but also China and the rest of the world.

"This is an extraordinary milestone for Stony Brook; it will foster world class achievements in physics and astronomy and will be celebrated for generations," Stanley said in a statement."