Academician Shen Jiaxiang, a 93-year-old member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a professor at Tianjin University, may have retired from his official duties, but his passion for medicinal chemistry remains as strong as ever. He continues to be deeply involved in scientific research, spending his days surrounded by lab equipment and chemical compounds.
Recently, he and his wife, Chen Yanna, made a generous donation of one million RMB to Tianjin University. Their goal is to support young researchers in their innovative projects and help foster the next generation of scientific talent. This act of generosity was not just a spontaneous decision—it was a deliberate response to President Xi Jinping’s recent emphasis on innovation-driven development.
Shen Jiaxiang missed the recent two-member Academician Conference, but he closely followed the discussions and was particularly inspired by the president’s call for greater innovation in science and technology. In an interview with China Youth Daily, he expressed his deep conviction: “President Xi Jinping encouraged us to innovate, to keep innovating. If I can do something, even a small part, I will feel very happy.â€
According to Shen Chibing, the son of Academician Shen, the one million yuan represented about half of Mr. Shen’s savings. He allocated a quarter to his wife, another quarter for emergencies and experimental ideas, and chose not to plan for himself. His focus has always been on the future—especially the future of science and young researchers.
Having studied in London and returned to China in 1949 with the ideal of “saving the country through science,†Shen Jiaxiang has made significant contributions to the development of antibiotics and the localization of vitamins. He remarked that in the past, China lagged behind in new drug research, often relying on imitation rather than innovation. “President Xi’s speech called on us to rise up and follow the example of foreign countries by doing innovative work,†he said.
Today, Shen Jiaxiang is pleased to see many overseas talents returning to China and contributing to its scientific growth. The School of Pharmacy at Tianjin University, which he helped establish, recently welcomed Professor Jay Siegel, the first "Dean of Foreign Affairs" in over 60 years. Dressed in a red Tang suit, Shen proudly shared with the university president, Li Jiajun, that his greatest wish was coming true: top scientists from abroad were now working in China.
After receiving the donation, President Li Jiajun promised to manage the funds responsibly and create the “Shen Jiaxiang Education Fund†to recognize outstanding teachers and students in the pharmaceutical field. The fund will serve as a lasting tribute to Shen's vision and commitment.
Professor Siegel, who visits Shen regularly, praised his charitable spirit and noted that such acts are rare even in Western countries. He described Shen’s actions as reflecting four key virtues of Chinese culture: patriotism, innovation, loyalty, and tolerance.
Shen Jiaxiang’s nephew, Bao Zongye, shared that his uncle’s lifelong dream has always been to develop China’s modern pharmaceutical industry. This donation, he said, reflects that dream. As a senior academic, Shen feels he has done less research in recent years and sees this act as a way to give back to society and offer young people a meaningful reward.
Despite his age, Shen remains highly engaged with current events and maintains an active mind. His grandson, Shen Chibing, mentioned that Grandpa often comes up with new ideas unexpectedly. Students and family members help him retrieve relevant literature for his studies. Last year, after trying Japanese natto, he became fascinated by the vitamin K it contained and its potential benefits for osteoporosis. He immediately started a project with two family nannies and a student to study the fermentation process and analyze the vitamin K content. He collected a vast amount of literature on the subject.
From everyday observations to groundbreaking research, Shen Jiaxiang continues to think creatively and inspire those around him. By donating his money, he has fulfilled a long-held wish and placed his hopes for the future on the younger generation. His story is not just about wealth or recognition—it’s about vision, dedication, and the power of innovation.
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