Mathematician's 4-second social media debut goes viral

BEIJING, June 10 (Xinhua) -- While numbers often dance beyond the reach of the public, Wei Dongyi, a young, gifted mathematician, may have helped bridge that distance -- if only for a moment.

Wei, an assistant professor and mathematics researcher at Peking University, launched his account on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, on Wednesday, posting a video that lasted four seconds.

In the clip, he stands in front of a chalkboard, dressed in a light blue-striped shirt and dark trousers, with a black bag slung over his shoulder. His message is short, but to the point: "Hello everyone. I'm Wei Dongyi. This is my account."

In an age transformed by AI and big data, China's faith in the quiet power of basic science burns brighter than ever -- and Wei's unassuming presence has become a compelling symbol of that devotion.

In mere days, the clip amassed over 14.5 million likes, with 24.2 million users flocking to follow his account. Viewers were captivated by his modest attire and reserved demeanor, with many likening him to Sheldon Cooper, the quirky genius from The Big Bang Theory.

Old clips resurfaced of him hurrying around campus, clutching an oversized water bottle and steamed buns -- a portrait of simplicity. Others shared unverified anecdotes of his brilliance, such as how he once entertained himself by reading electric meters in student dormitories.

Netizens cited poetry, hailing him as "noble and pure," while some yearned to glimpse mathematics' elusive beauty through his lens. Others quipped this may be the only video of his they can comprehend, and many left wishes, praying their children excel in the math section during the college entrance exams currently underway across the country.

In a land steeped in Confucian influence, where reverence for knowledge remains profound, the fervor for STEM figures like Wei may come as little surprise.

Generations have been inspired by stories of Hua Luogeng's elegant "golden ratio" optimization method and Chen Jingrun's work on the Goldbach Conjecture -- both renowned Chinese mathematicians. The mathematics talent program, launched by Fields Medalist Shing-Tung Yau to nurture China's brightest middle-school minds in math and science, has become a coveted opportunity for talented students and their parents.

Born in 1992 in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Wei won a gold medal with a perfect score at the 49th International Mathematical Olympiad in Madrid in 2008 and successfully defended his title the following year. He now carries out research on partial differential equations and geometric analysis.

"Wei's really focused on math -- he just lives a simple life, and we respect that," said Chen Dayue, dean of the School of Mathematical Sciences at Peking University.

China's sci-tech ascent, marked by breakthroughs like DeepSeek's AI models and Unitree's humanoid robots, has bolstered national confidence in global scientific competition. Education has evolved in step: In mathematics -- a compulsory subject in the grueling college entrance exams -- the reliance on sheer volume of practice problems no longer works.

It now focuses on testing mathematical thinking and literacy, with exam questions so challenging that they often spark heated discussion on social media each year.

Wei isn't the only scholar with ties to Peking University to have come under the spotlight recently. Wang Hong, a 34-year-old Peking University alumna, has captured widespread attention. Born in 1991 in Guilin in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Wang will join France's prestigious Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies as a permanent professor in September.

Together with Joshua Zahl from the University of British Columbia, she recently announced a proof of the Kakeya Conjecture -- a century-old problem in geometry. Many see her as a strong contender for the 2026 Fields Medal.

Photos of her teaching have been widely shared on Chinese social media. "Applause for such a great woman," said one netizen. "Who says women aren't cut out for science? They're more than made for it," said another.

In Wei's video, many netizens noticed signs of dental issues and called on Peking University and his family to pay more attention to his health. The university responded on Monday, confirming Wei's periodontal condition but assuring he receives regular checkups and is in overall good health. The school has arranged hospital visits and put treatment plans in place.

Peking University thanked the public for their concern and asked that scholars like Wei be given space to pursue their academic research without distractions.

Experts have warned that overwhelming attention could put pressure on Wei, urging the public to stay rational and avoid disrupting his life.

Xiong Bingqi, director of the 21st Century Education Research Institute, cautioned against turning scholars into cash cows for internet traffic, saying such hype risks harming their well-being and university reputations.

China's broader scientific ambitions are being recognized internationally. For the first time, the country has overtaken the United States in the number of universities included in the Global 2000 list by the Center for World University Rankings.

According to the 2025 edition, 346 Chinese universities made the list, while the number of ranked U.S. institutions fell to 319. Tsinghua University climbed six spots to 37th place, and Peking University rose three places to 44th.

"Math sings to the stars, but we are bound to the earth -- people like Wei offer us a glimpse into its cold grace and make, even for a few seconds, the infinite feel within reach," said a netizen. ■