Wang Shourong (20 April 1917- 28 August 1966), the late Tianjin University scholar, passed away 51 years ago, aged 49. He was born in Wu County, Jiangsu Province and was a professor and educational expert in precision instrumentation. Notably he was a pioneer of China’s instrument engineering education and metrological testing technology and the founder of the major of Precision Instruments. He was one of the first group of supervisors of postgraduates in China. There were only six postgraduates under his supervision, most of whom became renowned scholars, engineers, or academicians.

He was highborn, but left neither abundant physical heritage nor many works to his credit before his death. In his very short life, he initiated many firsts as a pioneer in precision instrumentation in China: He set up the first major of Precision Instruments and was in charge of editing and publishing the first set of textbooks on precision instrumentation. He presided over the manufacture of the first scale machine of Chinese design, founded China's first precision instruments laboratory, and set up the first research institute of precision instruments among China’s universities.

According to his daughter Wang Yu, her father kept a low profile, as his achievements were always unknown to her. Though in her seventies, Wang Yu still remembers clearly her father’s words that people should be diligent, committed, sincere, and honest both in work and study.

Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering Ye Shenghua, now in his eighties, was one of the six postgraduates of Wang Shourong. Speaking of his supervisor, Ye reported that his entire life has benefited from his time with his supervisor. He remembered when he began his graduate study, supervisor Wang said: “When doing scientific research, you must seek truth from facts and your research should be of high standard and make a contribution to the country.” Ye added: “Supervisor Wang always hoped that we not only did theoretical research, but brought tangible benefits to the country.” Ye said that the idea has guided his scientific research throughout his life, and he is passing on the idea to his students.

Ye also mentioned Wang was scrupulous: “Once he led me to the lab, and told me to pay attention to the colors of the apparatuses. He differentiated the degree of precision with different colors to arouse the students’ attention.”

According to 85-year-old retired Professor Zhang Yimo, Wang always provided his students with the best labs, internships and teachers, which he believed could develop the best qualities of his students. Zhang Yimo said: “We then had a jig boring machine in our laboratory. At that time, Tianjin University was the first and the only one that had the equipment. Wang was an expert in engineering education.”

In the memory of Professor Zhang Guoxiong, Professor Wang, once an engineer, paid much attention to students’ ability of practice. Wang also laid stress on experiment and calculation. Moreover, Wang laid solid theoretical foundations and always taught young teachers engineering mathematics.

Professor Jiang Chengzhi used to be Wang’s research assistant. He remembered that in the instructions given for doing research, Wang asked the students to not only focus on the papers, but apply their knowledge to develop the instruments needed all over the country. Another time when they were doing the design of an optical path, Wang noticed that the process was complicated and then solved the problem with the use of mathematics. So he left the impression of being a person with a solid theoretical foundation and extensive knowledge.

The symposium on Mr. Wang Shourong's 100th anniversary of the birth was held in Tianjin University in April 20, 2017. Tianjin University Deputy Secretary Lei Ming mentioned in her address that to cherish the memory of Wang, we should remember his rigorous academic attitude and his commitment to research. We should also promote and inherit his good quality of seeking truth from facts, innovation, diligence and dedication, all the time striving to develop a world-class university. The major of Precision Instrument he founded has been developing rapidly, and his dream to revitalize China is coming true step by step.