Scott Number: -
Serial number: 2011-14
Values in set: 4
Denomination: 480 fen
Date of issue: May 25, 2011
Size of stamp: 40 * 30 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition: 20
Size of Sheet: 240 * 150 mm
Designer: Chen Jingyi
Printing process: Photogravure
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

On May 25, 2011, the commemorative stamp "Modern Chinese Scientists (V)" (catalog number 2011-14) was officially issued, part of the fifth set in the "Modern Chinese Scientists" series. The set consists of four stamps, each with a face value of 1.20 yuan, for a total face value of 4.80 yuan. The stamps were designed by Chen Jingyi and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

The stamps feature four great scientists who made outstanding contributions in the fields of life sciences, aerospace engineering, petrochemicals, and nuclear physics, covering fundamental biological research, the space program, the energy industry, and atomic energy defense. They honor the spirit of dedication and devotion to research exemplified by the older generation of scientists, forming a complete series with the previous four sets of scientist stamps, and systematically presenting the remarkable achievements of modern China's scientific pioneers.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Bei Shizhang (1903–2009)

Image: Portrait of Bei Shizhang, with cellular and microscopic research elements in the background.
History: A native of Zhenhai, Zhejiang, he was a renowned biophysicist, one of the founders of cytology and embryology in China, and the founder of Chinese biophysics. He established the theory of cell reconstruction and promoted the development of space biology and radiobiology in China.
Significance: A pioneer in the field of life sciences in China and an early leading academician of the Biology Division of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Qian Xuesen (1911–2009)

Image: Portrait of Qian Xuesen, with rocket and satellite motifs in the background.
History: A world-renowned scientist, recipient of the "Two Bombs, One Satellite" Meritorious Award, and the founder of China's space program. He pioneered rocket, aerospace, and systems engineering disciplines, returning to China despite obstacles to devote himself to national defense construction.
Significance: The father of China's aerospace program and a landmark figure in New China's national defense science and technology.

Hou Xianglin (1912–2008)

Image: Portrait of Hou Xianglin, with silhouettes of oil refineries and petrochemical facilities in the background.
History: A native of Jieyang, Guangdong, he was a petrochemical scientist and the founder of China's oil refining industry. He solved numerous technical challenges in fuel and lubricant materials, ensuring the supply of military fuel, and is known as the "century-old man who created blood for the Republic."
Significance: A pioneer of China's petroleum industry science and technology.

Qian Sanqiang (1913–1992)

Image: Portrait of Qian Sanqiang, with atomic physics-related symbols in the background.
History: A native of Huzhou, Zhejiang, he was a nuclear physicist and the founder of China's atomic energy program. He organized and coordinated the development of the atomic bomb and hydrogen bomb, and discovered the phenomena of ternary and quaternary fission of uranium nuclei.
Significance: A key organizer of China's "Two Bombs" program and the founder of the atomic energy industry.

Artistic and Design Features:

Artistic Approach: Uses a realistic pen-and-ink sketch style with fine, steady lines, with figures based on standard historical photographs for high recognizability.
Format Consistency: Uniform horizontal stamp format with birth and death years noted in the lower right corner, maintaining visual consistency with the entire modern scientist series.
Background Concept: Each stamp features simple symbols corresponding to the scientist's field of study, subtly indicating their research direction without distracting from the main subject.
Color Palette: Light gray, elegant backgrounds highlight the figures, creating a solemn, simple overall effect that suits the composed character of research scholars.

This stamp set is an essential issue for completing the "Modern Chinese Scientists" series. Qian Xuesen and Qian Sanqiang are highly renowned figures, and the subjects cover multiple scientific fields including aerospace, nuclear physics, petrochemicals, and biological sciences. The figures are of significant historical importance, with strong commemorative value for the era, making this a classic collection in the category of scientist-themed stamps.