Young professionals are the source of national strategic talent pool.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, President Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized the crucial role of young technological talents in scientific and technological innovation and breakthroughs. He stated, "(we need to) build a massive team of young technological talents, focus our policies on cultivating national strategic talents among the youth, and support them in playing major roles and taking on important responsibilities."

Qian Xuesen (1911–2009), seen by many Chinese as one of the country's greatest scientists and a patriot, studied in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States in 1935 and later in the California Institute of Technology. He came back to China in 1955. Immediately upon his arrival, he, together with dynamics expert Qian Weichang (1912–2010), established the Institute of Mechanics (IMECH) and took a post as its director. Thereafter, Qian Xuesen set out to pioneer China's missile and rocketry programs.

Recently, the "Qian Xuesen Engineering and Technological Science Seminar and Awarding Ceremony of the First Qian Xuesen Outstanding Youth Award" was held in Beijing. Several young technological talents in mechanics, recognized for their significant achievements in basic research, meeting national demands, and making key technological breakthroughs, were honored. This event was co-sponsored by the IMECH, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the first institute founded by Qian Xuesen after his return to China, along with other colleges and scientific research institutes established by him, aiming to promote the ongoing development of mechanical disciplines in the new era.

Today, let's learn about the innovation stories of two recipients of the "Qian Xuesen Outstanding Youth Award."

Li Wenhao, senior engineer of IMECH

"When the brigade was named after you (Qian Xuesen), we felt a sudden tightening in our heart, a heavier burden, but our faith is all the more determined."

On July 15, 2021, the launch ceremony of CAS's first demonstration base promoting the spirit of scientists was held in the IMECH. The then Vice President and Deputy Party Committee Secretary Yin Hejun presented the flag to the "Qian Xuesen Technological Breakthrough Youth Brigade," and Li Wenhao, on behalf of the brigade members, solemnly read this vow.

The brigade is the first team of CAS named after a veteran scientist. It is led by young scientist Li Wenhao, born in the 1980s.

Li once described their work as "a bit crazy" — developing a hypersonic aerocraft operating in the near space and even attempting to launch it from near space.

Li Wenhao, a senior engineer with the Institute of Mechanics (IMECH), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), is conducting pre-flight checks before the flight test at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu Province in 2020. [Photo courtesy of IMECH, CAS]