Professor Yang Shi'e, an outstanding member of the CPC and an academician of the CAE, passed away peacefully in Harbin at 10:58 pm on March 19, 2024, at the age of 93. He was the founder of China's underwater acoustic engineering discipline, a pioneer in underwater acoustic science and technology, and a respected professor at the College of Underwater Acoustic Engineering, Harbin Engineering University.

Academician YANG Shi'e, hailing from Nanyang, Henan Province, was born in Tianjin on August 9, 1931. In 1950, he answered the call of the CPC Central Committee and enlisted in the army, foregoing his studies at Tsinghua University. In December 1952, as one of the first-batch instructors, he was transferred to aid in the establishment of the PLA Military Institute of Engineering, the first comprehensive higher military engineering and technology college in New China. He joined the CPC in 1956 and subsequently served as the Vice President of Harbin Shipbuilding Engineering Institute from 1982 to 1987. In 1995, he was elected as an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

Academician YANG Shi'e has devoted himself to the field of underwater acoustic education for nearly 70 years, establishing China's first comprehensive underwater acoustic engineering major that seamlessly integrates science and engineering. He has nurtured China's inaugural cohort of experienced and youthful teachers in underwater acoustic engineering, thus establishing the most crucial training ground for innovative talents in this domain. He has propelled the growth of China's underwater acoustic discipline from scratch, transforming it from a weak to a strong discipline, evolving it from conventional to specialized, and ushering in a novel paradigm of underwater acoustic education in China.

Academician YANG Shi'e has been deeply committed to researching underwater acoustic channels, sonar system environments, underwater acoustic target detection and positioning, as well as underwater acoustic emission and reception technology. He has spearheaded China's advancements in deep-sea underwater acoustic positioning methods and technologies, successfully developing a range of internationally renowned underwater acoustic systems that have significantly innovated national marine equipment technology. As the lead scientist, he organized China's inaugural large-scale deep-sea acoustic survey in the South China Sea, playing a pivotal role in planning, guiding, and driving the development of China's acoustic industry. His efforts have made outstanding contributions towards the establishment of a maritime power.

Academician YANG Shi'e has been honored with the "National Science and Technology Progress Award" twice. He has also been recognized as a "National Model of Education," and has received the "Lifetime Devotion to the Ocean" medal. Additionally, he has been awarded titles such as "National Excellent Teacher" and "National Excellent Science and Technology Worker."

Academician YANG Shi'e dedicated his entire life to the advancement of underwater acoustic technology and education in China. His passing is a profound loss not only for Harbin Engineering University but also for the field of underwater acoustic engineering in China.

We mourn the loss of Academician YANG Shi'e!