Chinese climate scientists have paid tribute to a “pure, passionate” scholar after the sudden death of atmospheric physicist Wen Xinyu at just 45 years of age.
The associate professor with the department of atmospheric and oceanic sciences at Peking University’s school of physics died on June 14 after suffering a heart attack, according to the obituary published by his home institute.
The obituary paid tribute to Wen’s important contributions to the field of climate change and his great efforts in a career that was largely devoted to teaching and research.
Colleagues were shocked by his sudden death, particularly at such a young age and in such apparent good health.
Zhou Tianjun, deputy director general at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and a fellow Peking University alumnus, told the South China Morning Post that Wen’s health “has been very good”.
According to Zhou, who graduated earlier, Wen was a typical Peking University graduate who did not blindly follow others or chase trends, but instead had his own thoughts and ideas. “He is persistent and full of enthusiasm in his work,” he said.