Quest for excellence keeps young, old minds ticking

Almost every Chinese knows about "Two Bombs and One Satellite", which refer to China's first atomic and hydrogen bombs detonated in 1964 and 1967, and the first satellite launched in 1970.

Since my childhood, I have often heard of the hardships and various obstacles faced by Chinese scientists in the quest for scientific excellence.

A recent trip to the China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE), however, provided more firsthand insight into the trials and tribulations of the great scientists.