China Vitae

Biography

Zhu Guangya, male, Han nationality, was born in 1924 in Yichang, Hubei Province. He studied and taught in Chongqing during World War II, and then, at the recommendation of Professor Wu Dayou, studied nuclear physics at the University of Michigan from1946 to1950, where he obtained a doctorate. He returned to China in 1950 and taught at Beijing University until 1952 when he became director of teaching and research at Northeast China People's University.

In 1955, Zhu began teaching the first group of nuclear physics students at Beijing University. He joined the CPC in 1956. During the next 14 years, he studied reactor physics and also worked in the 2nd Ministry of Machine Building Industry. From 1970 to 1982, he worked on projects for the PLA and became a vice-minister of a national defense commission. In 1999, he was awarded a medal for his work on nuclear weapons and satellites.

Zhu became an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and served on numerous commissions and associations related to the development of science and technology. He was an organizer of the Qinshan nuclear power plant. In the 1980s, he participated in the formulation of the "863 Program," aimed at high technology development.

Zhu was an alternate member of the 9th and 10th CPC Central Committees and a member of the 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th CPC Central Committees. He was elected vice-chairman of the 9th CPPCC National Committee in March 1998.