In China's science and technology and aerospace circles, Academician Wu Meirong's name has long been prestigious, and she has made remarkable achievements in the field of aerospace science and technology with her outstanding talent and selfless dedication.
However, on June 6, 2021, the scientific giant encountered the most tragic scene in her life - while attending a selection meeting of the Academy of Sciences, she was accidentally violently attacked by Zhang Tao, a party secretary, which not only caused great damage to her body, but also dealt a profound blow to her soul.
Academician Wu Meirong, born in 1932, is a native of Changzhou, Jiangsu. Brilliant since childhood, her journey from Xi'an to Moscow reflects her boundless enthusiasm for science and thirst for knowledge. In 1957, at the age of 25, she ended her study career in the Soviet Union, returned to her motherland with advanced scientific and technological knowledge and enthusiasm, and was determined to devote herself to China's aerospace industry.
After returning to China, Academician Wu Meirong joined the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, focusing on the research and development of missile control systems. Her efforts quickly paid off, and her team successfully developed a variety of high-precision missiles, significantly raising China's position in the international military-technical competition. In addition to her achievements in missile technology, Academician Wu has also made great contributions to satellite launches, spacecraft design and other fields, and her name is closely associated with every major breakthrough in China's aerospace industry.
In 2018, Wu Meirong, who is already an internationally renowned aerospace scientist, was treated unfairly at a public academic exchange meeting, her research results were questioned, and even groundless accusations from some peers. Although the incident was eventually clarified, the mental blow was huge for a scientist who was nearly eighty years old.
Entering 2021, 85-year-old Academician Wu Meirong should have enjoyed retirement, but she is still active in the front line of scientific research and continues to dedicate her wisdom and strength to China's aerospace industry. However, in June, during an International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) Fellowship, a sudden violent incident changed her fate forever.
The incident took place in a seemingly ordinary meeting discussion. Zhang Tao, the party secretary of the Aerospace Investment Holding Co., Ltd., suddenly lost control of his emotions during the discussion because of a disagreement of views, and attacked Wang Jinnian, another academician who attended the meeting. When Academician Wu Meirong stepped forward to dissuade him, he was pushed to the ground by Zhang Tao, and it can be seen from the video surveillance that Academician Wu was pushed a few meters away, and the situation was extremely dangerous when he landed.
The attack had a serious impact on Academician Wu Meirong's health. Although she barely returned to work after the incident, her physical and mental state was significantly worse than before. She once mentioned in an interview that the injury made her feel unprecedented pain, not only physical pain, but also mental torture.
In addition, Academician Wu Meirong's scientific research work has also been affected. Originally, she was leading a team working on a new type of satellite navigation system, and the project should have been carried out smoothly under her leadership. However, due to this incident, the project progressed slowly and even came to a standstill for a time. This is undoubtedly another blow to Academician Wu, who has always been known for his efficiency and rigor.
The public and the media have condemned this brutal behavior against scientific researchers, and called on all sectors of society to have more respect for scientists and create a safe and respectful working environment for them. At the same time, many people have also begun to reflect on how to protect the physical and mental health of researchers in the fierce competition and high-pressure working environment, and ensure that they can carry out scientific research in the best state.
Although this incident has exposed some problems in China's scientific research community, it has also shown the public's care and support for scientific researchers. After Academician Wu Meirong suffered a misfortune, countless netizens supported her on social platforms, expressing their respect for her and respect for scientific researchers. This change in social atmosphere may bring more positive changes to China's scientific research environment.
For Academician Wu Meirong, despite this misfortune, she still insisted on her scientific research career, and her strength and perseverance once again proved her extraordinary qualities as a scientist. Her experience and struggle are not only an encouragement to the younger generation of scientific researchers, but also an inspiration to the entire scientific community - no matter what difficulties are encountered, scientific exploration will never stop.
After that attack in 2021, Academician Wu Meirong's health continued to deteriorate. Despite the severe physical and mental devastation, she continued her academic work by attending scientific conferences, but frequent hospital treatments became a part of her life. Doctors diagnosed her injuries as not only traumatic, but also deep-seated nerve damage, which directly affected her mobility and daily activities. Despite all the hardships, Academician Wu Meirong's enthusiasm for scientific research has not diminished, and she still tries her best to promote the unfinished projects in her heart within the scope of her ability.
At the end of 2021, Academician Wu Meirong admitted in an interview with the media that she felt that her body was not as good as before, but she still had hope for the future. She hopes to see her research results being put into practical use, and to witness greater breakthroughs in China's aerospace industry. Her words deeply touched the hearts of countless people. As a result, the respect and support from all walks of life for her has been strengthened.
However, fate does not seem to have given Academician Wu Meirong more time. On July 31, 2024, this female scientist, who has made great contributions to China's aerospace science and technology, died of illness in Beijing at the age of 92. The official obituary simply mentions "ineffective medical treatment due to illness", but it is clear to all those who follow her that the violence of three years ago was an important factor in accelerating the deterioration of her health.
Although Academician Wu Meirong has left us, she has left the world not only her scientific research achievements, but also her perseverance. After her death, countless memorial and commemorative activities were held throughout the country, and people expressed their admiration and remembrance of this great scientist in various ways. Space agencies, academic organizations, and the general public have all commemorated the life of the science superstar in their own way.
The death of Academician Wu Meirong has triggered a deeper discussion on the protection of scientific researchers. There is a general public and media call for more attention and protection for the personal safety of scientific researchers, especially when they are old and infirm. Academia and research institutions are beginning to revisit and strengthen safety and security measures for researchers to ensure that they can conduct their research in a safe and respectful environment.
At the same time, the scientific research projects that Academician Wu Meirong participated in during her lifetime are also continuing to advance. The success of this project is not only the best tribute to her scientific research career, but also the best reward for her unremitting efforts.
Although this great female scientist is gone, her spirit and contributions will always inspire those who come after her. Her story has left a deep impression on the academic community and the public, and has become a role model for future researchers. As many people said at the memorial service, Academician Wu Meirong used her life to interpret what is the true spirit of a scientist - fearlessness, perseverance, and dedication.
Although Academician Wu Meirong's life was full of challenges, she never gave up her pursuit of science and persistence in her dreams. Her story shows us that no matter what difficulties we face, researchers should keep faith and move forward. In the future, we should cherish and respect every scientific research worker more, so that they can contribute to the progress of mankind and the development of science and technology in the best environment.
In this way, the spirit of Academician Wu Meirong will live on, and her story will continue to inspire more people to pursue the true meaning of science and make unremitting efforts for the future of mankind.