Perfect Finale

Li Qiwei was stunned when he heard the old man's name. It took him a few seconds to realize that this was a very famous person.

If one were to choose the smartest photograph in the world from later generations, the "Physics All-Stars Photo" would definitely be the undisputed champion.

This photograph (with an accompanying illustration) was taken at the 5th Solvay Conference in 1927, with Einstein and Bohr at its core, engaging in a fierce debate about Quantum Mechanics.

Out of the 29 attendees, 17 had received the Nobel Prize. It was truly terrifying.

And that conference was sponsored by the white-bearded old man before him, Solvay.

In actual history, the first Solvay Conference was held in 1911 in Brussels, Belgium, and was held every three years thereafter.

Solvay was an industrial chemist and an industrialist. He made a lot of money by opening factories, but he always had a dream of science (actually, he was just bored).

However, he was already over fifty and clearly not up to the task in science, so he decided to throw money at it.

By chance, he met the German physicist Nernst, who wanted to gather a group of top physicists to discuss the latest advancements in physics.

When Solvay heard this, he saw his opportunity and immediately offered to fund the conference himself.

Thus, he booked a luxurious hotel as the venue and prepared red envelopes for each scientist attending, which was the origin of the first Solvay Conference.

Solvay declared: "I have plenty of money, so feel free to do whatever you want. I just want to hear the crisp sound of scientific ideas colliding; it's more captivating than money."

Li Qiwei looked at Solvay and thought, "This is the ideal benefactor for all researchers – only provides money and doesn't give blind orders."

He had to build a good relationship with this kind of boss. If he wanted to organize conferences in the future, he could just find this old friend.

So, he extended his hand, appearing very enthusiastic, and said with a smile, "Hello, Mr. Solvay, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Solvay was very surprised. He didn't know why Li Qiwei was so calm towards him. In his imagination, such a young genius would surely be incredibly arrogant.

Earlier at the venue, he had almost become Li Qiwei's fan. Such an exciting breakthrough in physics made Solvay feel that the money in his hands was suddenly less appealing.

A good man should pursue scientific research, seek breakthroughs, and change the world.

If Li Qiwei knew his thoughts, he would definitely say: "No other intentions, I just have my eyes on your money. If you sponsor me with money, you'll also be changing the world."

The two exchanged pleasantries in a friendly atmosphere. Solvay subtly indicated his financial resources, while Li Qiwei subtly expressed his hope to organize more physics conferences in the future to enhance academic exchange.

They then looked at each other and smiled, feeling as if they had known each other for a long time, leaving Lord Kelvin, who was beside them, utterly confused.

Soon, Li Qiwei finished his pleasantries with Solvay, stating that they must keep in touch through letters in the future and contribute to the development of physics.

Shortly after Solvay left, the editor-in-chief of Nature, Sir Lockyer, walked over.

"Hey, Bruce, when are you going to publish the paper on the photoelectric effect? The entire magazine is counting on you. The young lads are all fired up."

Li Qiwei took a casual sip of red wine and replied with a smile, "Within the next few days. I've already finished the draft; it just needs a little revision."

Lockyer was very satisfied and patted his shoulder, "With you as the chief editor in the future, I believe many will choose Nature as their first choice for submitting papers."

Li Qiwei said, "That's truly good news. Since the journal is receiving more and more submissions, Lockyer, I have a suggestion."

"How about establishing several specialized sub-journals under Nature? This would not only reflect professionalism but also help increase company revenue."

Lockyer was taken aback and murmured, "Sub-journals? Bruce, could you elaborate?"

Li Qiwei intended to implement the model of Nature from later generations, so he said, "We can keep Nature as the main journal, which will mainly publish the world's most cutting-edge research findings, requiring extremely high innovation."

"Then, below it, we can have sub-journals like Nature: Physics, Nature: Chemistry, Nature: Biology, and so on."

"The innovation and importance of the sub-journals can be slightly less than the main journal, but they will still require rigorous peer review."

"This way, we can differentiate the levels of quality, increase the enthusiasm of contributors, and attract excellent results from other fields. Isn't that wonderful?"

Lockyer was dumbfounded after listening. He couldn't imagine that Li Qiwei not only possessed exceptional academic talent but could also innovate in running a magazine.

Is a genius a genius in every field they enter?

This idea was excellent and perfectly suited the current development status of the Nature journal.

As Li Qiwei's papers gained increasing fame, Nature's reputation also soared.

It not only attracted researchers from Britain but also extended its reach beyond the country, capturing the attention of researchers in Europe and even the Americas.

More and more people's first choice of journal became Nature, which represented authority and innovation.

However, the most innovative and cutting-edge results were always a minority. Most people's work, while excellent, was ultimately a step behind.

Therefore, if the main journal represented the best and the sub-journals represented excellence, it would attract everyone.

What? You can't even get published in a sub-journal? Sorry, in the eyes of the big shots, you're not a researcher, but merely a creator of research waste.

Lockyer was extremely excited, even gesturing with his hands, wishing he could go back immediately and start working on this significant matter.

Li Qiwei quickly stopped him, telling him not to rush and to finish listening to the conference before leaving.

In the following days, physicists from all over the world took turns presenting their findings.

Applause constantly echoed in the conference hall, and the various research topics were dazzling.

Although Li Qiwei's work was brilliant, this kind of purely theoretical stuff was too advanced and belonged to a select few.

Most physicists' research was closely related to real life.

For example, the French physicist Lippmann reported on a new type of color photography technology.

He coated the surface of the photographic plate with a reflective layer. When light hit it, it would interfere with the reflected light, creating color stripes.

Then, after shadow processing, it could be printed as a color photograph.

Historically, it was with this very technique that he won the Nobel Prize in Physics.

Lippmann's research focused on finding suitable reflective layers and determining coating parameters to achieve stability for commercialization.

Photographs in this era were still black and white; color cameras wouldn't be officially launched until 1935.

This clearly shows how many obstacles and efforts are needed for physics to go from theoretical realization to commercialization, far more than a mere slogan can achieve.

A few days later, the exciting conference finally concluded, with everyone leaving fully satisfied.

You have to understand, unlike later times when conferences were held daily, scholars back then primarily communicated their findings through letters.

Therefore, gathering together for a conference was a very precious and fortunate occasion.

Moreover, this particular conference had been so brilliant and impressive that many were already planning to brag about it upon their return.

The esteemed Solvay even enthusiastically called for a photographer and gathered Li Qiwei along with over a dozen other famous physicists for a group photo.

The old man was grinning from ear to ear, saying that looking at this photo every day would increase his wisdom.

After Li Qiwei returned to Cambridge University, besides his usual visits to Cavendish Laboratory, his main focus became contacting his family and initiating the Spark Plan.

What he didn't anticipate was how far-reaching the impact of this conference would be, traveling along telegraph lines to the distant East.

There, a few passionate young men would soon change their destinies.

Thanks to Shen Tu Zhi Cha for the monthly ticket, and thanks to all new and old readers for the recommendation tickets.