Recently, in a special episode of the "Role Model of the Times" program aired on CCTV, the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee posthumously awarded Comrade YANG Shi'e the title of "Role Model of the Times." He was highly praised as the founder of China's underwater acoustics engineering discipline and a pioneer in underwater acoustics technology, recognized for his dedication to academic pursuits and selfless contributions. The program called on society to learn from him and to carry forward his spirit of relentless efforts in scientific research.
YANG Shi'e, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a professor at Harbin Engineering University, is a name well-known in China’s underwater acoustics field! Throughout his life, Academician Yang upheld the fine traditions of "Harbin Military Engineering" and was committed to "listening to the sea for the country." For over 60 years, he led his team with tireless dedication, equipping China’s vast maritime borders with "ears" and creating an indestructible "underwater Great Wall," enabling China to understand the deep-sea sounds.
YANG Shi'e was born in Tianjin in 1931. His childhood memories were deeply marked by the chaos of war, the fragmentation of the nation, and a life of displacement.
In 1950, as the People's Navy urgently needed talents, YANG Shi'e , then a student in the Physics Department of Tsinghua University, decisively joined the military and went to teach at the First Naval Academy.
In 1952, the PLA Military Engineering Institute began preparations for establishment, becoming the first comprehensive higher education institution in military technology in China. Located in Harbin, it was known as "Harbin Military Engineering" (Harbin Engineering University’s predecessor). Faced with an unfamiliar task, YANG Shi'e once again headed north.
In 1957, YANG Shi'e went to the Soviet Union for further studies. To fill the gap in China’s underwater acoustics discipline, he shifted his focus to studying underwater acoustics. Unlike light waves or electromagnetic waves, which cannot travel far underwater, sound waves can propagate over long distances. YANG Shi'e recognized that in the key areas of national defense technology, core technologies must be developed independently—relying on others was neither feasible nor sustainable. He resolved to break through for the country, relying on no one but himself!
In 1960, YANG Shi'e returned to China after completing his studies, starting from scratch. Without professional teachers, he taught himself; without specialized textbooks, he wrote his own. At Harbin Military Engineering, he established China’s first complete underwater acoustics engineering program, blending science and engineering to serve national strategy.YANG Shi'e also authored the world’s first comprehensive book on underwater noise mechanisms, Principles of Underwater Noise, as well as pioneering courses and textbooks such as Principles of Acoustics and Principles of Underwater Sound Propagation.
From breaking the superpowers’ long-standing monopoly on intercontinental strategic nuclear weapons with the acoustic landing system for the "Dongfeng-5" intercontinental missile, to laying the foundation for the positioning system of China’s independently designed "Jiaolong" manned submersible, YANG Shi'e led his team in overcoming countless technical challenges, driving major breakthroughs in China's underwater acoustics technology. He also spearheaded the design and construction of China’s first gravity-based low-noise water tunnel dedicated to acoustic research. In the formulation of underwater acoustics development plans, determining research directions, and guiding major research projects, YANG Shi'e always played a leading role, making a core contribution.
For decades, Yang Shi'e remained at the forefront of sea trials. At 88 years old, he was still involved in offshore experiments. "To do the research, how can you not be on-site? We have to overcome every difficulty. The sea is unpredictable, and you can't do the research by sitting at home," Yang Shi'e said.
For decades, Yang Shi'e remained dedicated to the classroom. At 91 years old, the "90s-born" Yang Shi'e went viral on social media for giving a lecture to "00s-born" students, earning the respect of being called "the academician who stands to the end." In his 70 years of teaching, he always lectured while standing. "Standing allows me to move freely, making my explanations more vivid," he said.
For decades, Yang Shi'e remained steadfast in his career pursuits. He lived by the motto, "As long as the country and society need it, it's worth doing," and continued to work and learn until his last moments. He exemplified the spirit of lifelong dedication, making outstanding contributions to the growth and development of China’s underwater acoustics engineering discipline.
It is estimated that Yang Shi'e mentored over 110 master’s and doctoral students in the underwater acoustics discipline at Harbin Engineering University, most of whom have become key figures in academia and research. Three of China's academicians in underwater acoustics were his students, and over 60% of the nation's underwater acoustics professionals and over 70% of senior experts come from Harbin Engineering University.
Yang Shi'e's passion and contributions to scientific research inspire generations of underwater acoustics professionals. As a national high-tech enterprise specializing in the development, manufacturing, and sales of "underwater positioning and communication" products, the core technical team of Shenzhen Zhilan Technology Co., Ltd（Ocean Plan). also comes from Harbin Engineering University. This connection enables Ocean Plan to naturally inherit the mission of innovation in underwater positioning and communication technology, while carrying forward Yang's traditions and scientific spirit.
Ocean Plan understands that cutting-edge technology must be firmly in its own hands. Since its establishment, it has continued to forge ahead, marking milestone after milestone. Ocean Plan's underwater communication and navigation systems have been mass-equipped in sectors like national public security, emergency, firefighting, maritime affairs, and scientific research.
"Deep blue" is our shared dream. Ocean Plan will follow Yang Shi'e’s example, carrying the torch of the "Role Model of the Times" spirit, and continue to strive forward in technological independence and engineering practice, contributing our strength to the society.
This article is dedicated to honoring our "Great Teacher" in the underwater acoustics community. Let us learn from Academician Yang Shi'e!
