![[Phoenix Lecture] Academician Ching-Wu Chu Returns to His Alma Mater to Share His Journey of High-Temperature Superconductivity](https://sdg.ncku.edu.tw/userfiles/images/20260715023638480.jpg)
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[Phoenix Lecture] Academician Ching-Wu Chu Returns to His Alma Mater to Share His Journey of High-Temperature Superconductivity
Written by NCKU Physics Department. Image credit to NCKU News Center.
As part of the 70th anniversary celebration of the Department of Physics at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), the Department hosted the NCKU Phoenix Lecture on July 10th at the Conference Hall of the Main Library on the Cheng Kung Campus. Distinguished alumnus and internationally renowned physicist Academician Ching-Wu Chu returned to his alma mater to deliver a lecture titled "The New Journey to the West of the Twentieth Century", sharing the story behind his scientific quest, "The Odyssey of an NCKU 1962 Physics Alumnus in the Search of a Dream." Drawing from his experiences from childhood and student life at NCKU to graduate studies abroad and a distinguished career in scientific research, Prof. Chu recounted his journey toward becoming one of the world's leading scientists and encouraged young scholars to embrace curiosity, persevere in pursuing their dreams, and never stop exploring the unknown.
On behalf of NCKU, Vice President Shyy-Woei Chang welcomed Prof. Chu back to NCKU and expressed appreciation for his willingness to share his experiences with students and faculty. Vice President Chang noted that rapid advances in science and technology, particularly the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI), are reshaping not only daily life but also the structure of industries worldwide. In an era of continuous technological transformation, lifelong learning has become essential for both academic research and industrial innovation. He encouraged students, especially those in science and engineering, to strengthen their professional expertise while cultivating interdisciplinary perspectives so that technological advances can be translated into meaningful contributions to society. He also expressed confidence that Prof. Chu's lecture would inspire students as they plan their future studies and careers.
In addition to his outstanding scientific achievements, Prof. Chu has remained deeply committed to the development of his alma mater, continuously supporting talent cultivation and academic exchange at NCKU. His return to share his invaluable experiences provided a rare learning opportunity for faculty members, students, and young scholars alike. Following the welcome remarks, Vice President Chang presented Prof. Chu with a commemorative plaque on behalf of NCKU in appreciation of his visit.
Professor Chu is a pioneer in the field of high-temperature superconductivity. He currently serves as Professor of Physics and T.L.L. Temple Chair of Science at the University of Houston, Founding Director and Chief Scientist of the Texas Center for Superconductivity, and is a Member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences as well as an Academician of Academia Sinica. His groundbreaking research has had a profound impact on condensed matter physics and materials science.
During the lecture, Prof. Chu reflected on his educational journey, the pivotal moments in his research career, and the lessons he learned along the way. He shared how passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to scientific inquiry enabled him to overcome challenges and continue pursuing innovation. He also discussed what inspired him to enter the field of high-temperature superconductivity and explained how this research has advanced condensed matter physics and materials science.
In recent years, Prof. Chu's research team has continued to push the frontiers of high-temperature superconductivity. Their latest achievement is the development of a superconducting material with a transition temperature (Tc) of 151 K (approximately −122°C) under ambient pressure, representing an increase of 18 K over their previous result and marking another significant milestone in the pursuit of higher-temperature superconductors. During the lecture, Prof. Chu also introduced these latest research advances and discussed their potential implications for future scientific and technological developments.
As the Department of Physics celebrates its 70th anniversary, the return of this world-renowned scientist to his alma mater marks a memorable milestone in the department's history and highlights the remarkable achievements of NCKU alumni on the international academic stage. Professor Chu concluded by encouraging young scholars to remain curious, passionate about learning, courageous in pursuing their dreams, and committed to developing interdisciplinary thinking, a global perspective, and the resilience needed to meet future challenges while continuing to explore the unknown.
Provider: NCKU News Center
Date: 2026-07-13
As part of the 70th anniversary celebration of the Department of Physics at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), the Department hosted the NCKU Phoenix Lecture on July 10th at the Conference Hall of the Main Library on the Cheng Kung Campus. Distinguished alumnus and internationally renowned physicist Academician Ching-Wu Chu returned to his alma mater to deliver a lecture titled "The New Journey to the West of the Twentieth Century", sharing the story behind his scientific quest, "The Odyssey of an NCKU 1962 Physics Alumnus in the Search of a Dream." Drawing from his experiences from childhood and student life at NCKU to graduate studies abroad and a distinguished career in scientific research, Prof. Chu recounted his journey toward becoming one of the world's leading scientists and encouraged young scholars to embrace curiosity, persevere in pursuing their dreams, and never stop exploring the unknown.
On behalf of NCKU, Vice President Shyy-Woei Chang welcomed Prof. Chu back to NCKU and expressed appreciation for his willingness to share his experiences with students and faculty. Vice President Chang noted that rapid advances in science and technology, particularly the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI), are reshaping not only daily life but also the structure of industries worldwide. In an era of continuous technological transformation, lifelong learning has become essential for both academic research and industrial innovation. He encouraged students, especially those in science and engineering, to strengthen their professional expertise while cultivating interdisciplinary perspectives so that technological advances can be translated into meaningful contributions to society. He also expressed confidence that Prof. Chu's lecture would inspire students as they plan their future studies and careers.
In addition to his outstanding scientific achievements, Prof. Chu has remained deeply committed to the development of his alma mater, continuously supporting talent cultivation and academic exchange at NCKU. His return to share his invaluable experiences provided a rare learning opportunity for faculty members, students, and young scholars alike. Following the welcome remarks, Vice President Chang presented Prof. Chu with a commemorative plaque on behalf of NCKU in appreciation of his visit.
Professor Chu is a pioneer in the field of high-temperature superconductivity. He currently serves as Professor of Physics and T.L.L. Temple Chair of Science at the University of Houston, Founding Director and Chief Scientist of the Texas Center for Superconductivity, and is a Member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences as well as an Academician of Academia Sinica. His groundbreaking research has had a profound impact on condensed matter physics and materials science.
During the lecture, Prof. Chu reflected on his educational journey, the pivotal moments in his research career, and the lessons he learned along the way. He shared how passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to scientific inquiry enabled him to overcome challenges and continue pursuing innovation. He also discussed what inspired him to enter the field of high-temperature superconductivity and explained how this research has advanced condensed matter physics and materials science.
In recent years, Prof. Chu's research team has continued to push the frontiers of high-temperature superconductivity. Their latest achievement is the development of a superconducting material with a transition temperature (Tc) of 151 K (approximately −122°C) under ambient pressure, representing an increase of 18 K over their previous result and marking another significant milestone in the pursuit of higher-temperature superconductors. During the lecture, Prof. Chu also introduced these latest research advances and discussed their potential implications for future scientific and technological developments.
As the Department of Physics celebrates its 70th anniversary, the return of this world-renowned scientist to his alma mater marks a memorable milestone in the department's history and highlights the remarkable achievements of NCKU alumni on the international academic stage. Professor Chu concluded by encouraging young scholars to remain curious, passionate about learning, courageous in pursuing their dreams, and committed to developing interdisciplinary thinking, a global perspective, and the resilience needed to meet future challenges while continuing to explore the unknown.
Provider: NCKU News Center
Date: 2026-07-13
Distinguished alumnus and internationally renowned physicist Academician Ching-Wu Chu back NCKU to deliver a lecture titled "The New Journey to the West of the Twentieth Century".
Vice President Chang presented Prof. Chu with a commemorative plaque on behalf of NCKU in appreciation of his visit.
The venue was filled to capacity as students listened attentively to the lecture.
Group photo .
