FAST project's chief scientist refused to be average

China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope, or FAST, the world's largest radio telescope, celebrated its first anniversary on Monday. But its founding father was not there to enjoy the moment: Nan Rendong, chief scientist of the FAST project, died from lung cancer at the age of 72, just 10 days before the celebration.

He underwent surgery after being diagnosed with the disease two years ago. When he was discharged from hospital, Nan was moved to a house on the outskirts of Beijing where he could grow flowers and walk his dog.

However, the old man could not bear such an idle life, describing it as "like being in jail". Nan continued to work despite illness, invoking the spirit of his own personal motto: "Refuse to be average."