A team from Department of Physics, City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), comprising three undergraduate physics students and one master student, led by Professor Wang Xin Sunny, represented Hong Kong in the prestigious international PLANCKS 2025 competition held in Barcelona, Spain. This competition, formally known as the Physics League Across Numerous Countries for Kick-ass Students (PLANCKS), brought together top student teams from over 25 countries to test their theoretical physics prowess.
The CityUHK team, comprising Wang Zige, Liang Weiyi, Wu Yichen (undergraduate) and Chen Xingyu (master student), is one of the two teams who earned their place in the final round by excelling in the Hong Kong preliminaries held on February 15-16, 2025. At the finals hosted by the Autonomous University of Barcelona from May 1–5, 2025, the students engaged in challenging problem-solving sessions covering topics from quantum mechanics to astrophysics, alongside thought-provoking lectures and vibrant cultural exchanges.
Professor Wang Xin Sunny, Associate Professor in the Department of Physics, accompanied the team as their advisor and mentor. “Participating in PLANCKS 2025 gave our students invaluable international exposure and hands-on experience in theoretical physics,” he shared. “They not only demonstrated strong problem-solving skills but also built connections with peers and academics from around the world.”
One of the team members reflected on the transformative experience: “PLANCKS 2025 was more than an academic milestone - it was a lesson in humility, connection, and the boundless possibilities of physics. I returned home with a sharper grasp of my strengths, a clearer roadmap to address weaknesses, and friendships spanning continents,” they shared. “Most importantly, I learned that science is not a solitary pursuit but a collective endeavor, enriched by collaboration, cultural exchange, and even the occasional dance break.”
The competition offered a rare window into the forefront of physics research. “PLANCKS opened my eyes to groundbreaking advancements across diverse physics disciplines. A highlight was Professor L’Huillier’s lecture on quantum mechanics, where she unraveled the intricate process of hypothesis formulation through key experimental graphs,” said one student. “Her insights into quantum entanglement and its potential applications in computing left me awestruck. Equally inspiring was a session led by a pioneering quantum computing company demonstrating how their specialized systems solve real-world problems, from optimizing logistics networks to generating profits. This intersection of innovation and practicality challenged my perception of theoretical physics, revealing its tangible impact on industries.”
Other lectures spanned astrophysics, materials science, and thermodynamics, each emphasizing how today’s research could unlock tomorrow’s technologies. “These sessions underscored the importance of interdisciplinary thinking, a lesson I’ll carry forward,” the student added. Beyond the lectures, informal discussions with international peers were equally enriching. “Teams presented their research with infectious passion, from Kerr black hole rotational dynamics to the thermal properties of exotic materials and graphene’s conductivity under extreme conditions. These discussions weren’t just academically stimulating—they taught me how to communicate complex ideas clearly and adapt my thinking to new perspectives.”
The students returned to CityUHK inspired by new ideas and motivated to continue pushing the frontiers of physics. Their participation at PLANCKS 2025 underscores CityUHK’s dedication to excellence in education and the cultivation of young scientific minds poised to make impactful contributions to the global physics community.
23 June 2025