The School of Physics traces its origin to the Department of Physics established in 1956. The founding head of the department was Huo Bingquan, a pioneer in cosmic ray physics and a former chair of the Department of Physics at Tsinghua University.
The school consists of multiple specialized departments and research units dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation. These include the Department of Physics, the Department of Instrument Science and Technology, the Department of Electronic Science and Technology, the Institute of Diamond Research, and the Institute of Astrophysics.
The school also oversees multiple national and provincial teaching and research facilities, such as the National Demonstration Center for Physics Teaching, the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Material Physics, and the MOE Innovation Team for Low-Dimensional Quantum Physics and Functional Materials.
It offers a comprehensive range of academic degree programs across various levels of higher education. The school provides a specialized postdoctoral station in Physics, PhD programs in Physics, Material Physics, and Chemistry, and master's programs in Physics and Instrument Science & Technology.
The faculty team comprises over 240 members, including two academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Currently, the school admits over 700 graduate students and 1,100 undergraduates.
The school adheres to a research-driven philosophy, emphasizing rigorous investigation and innovation in the field of fundamental physics. It aligns its research objectives with national strategic priorities, such as advancing technological innovation and scientific infrastructure, while also fostering regional development initiatives in Henan province. Its output in research funding, high-impact publications, and academic recognition consistently ranks among the top at the university.
In particular, the school leads the development of Henan's first large-scale scientific infrastructure — Zhongyuan Light, an ultrashort and ultra-intense laser platform.