Academician Chang Jin appointed as President of University of Science and Technology of China
Chang Jin, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has been appointed as the 11th President of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). As chief scientist of the ‘Wukong’ dark matter particle detection satellite, he led China’s breakthrough in astronomical satellite technology.
On October 11, 2024, the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) held a faculty and staff meeting to announce that Chang Jin, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and alternate member of the 20th Central Committee, has been appointed as the university’s 11th President. The previous President, Bao Xinhe, who served for seven years, retired at the age of 65.
Chang Jin, born in 1966, is a Han Chinese with a doctoral degree. He is a researcher, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and alternate member of the 20th Central Committee. He currently serves as Vice President and member of the Party Leadership Group of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Chang has long been engaged in research on high-energy particle detection technologies and scientific experiments, particularly in relation to electron detection methods. He was the chief scientist of the “Wukong” dark matter particle detection satellite, which successfully launched in 2015, marking a breakthrough in China’s astronomical satellite technology.
The “Wukong” satellite was designed to investigate the nature of dark matter. Scientists estimate that dark matter and dark energy, which cannot be directly observed with current optical or electromagnetic devices, make up approximately 95% of the universe. The remaining 5% consists of normal matter that forms stars, planets, and other luminous objects.
The “Wukong” satellite’s “sharp eyes” aim to detect products of dark matter particle annihilation or decay in space. If such products can be observed, it would reveal important information about the mass, other physical properties, and spatial distribution of dark matter. Chang’s team hopes the satellite can provide answers to these long-standing cosmic mysteries.
As a prominent scientist and leader, there are high expectations that Chang will leverage his expertise and vision to further advance USTC’s teaching, research, and international standing as one of China’s premier science and technology universities. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for USTC after nearly a decade.