PROFESSOR QIAN XUESEN, A GIANT OF MECHANICS DEDICATED TO CULTIVATING TALENTS

December 11, 2022 is the 111th birthday anniversary of Professor Qian Xuesen. We take this opportunity to review Professor Qian's contributions to the education of modern mechanics. Following his technical-science education philosophy, Professor Qian educated a batch of professional talents specializing in mechanics, who formed the backbone of the modern mechanics in China. This article provides a detailed explanation of Professor Qian’s education philosophy based on his talent training practices during his presidency of the Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Science (1956—1982) and his presidency of the Chinese Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (1957—1982). During this period of time, Professor Qian’s activities included supporting the academic activities of the Chinese Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, promoting the Chinese Journal of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, and organizing study classes on Engineering Cybernetics and Engineering Physics within the Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and University of Science and Technology of China. Professor Qian's educational philosophy and practice are of high inheritance values, the same as his scientific achievements.