Recently, our laboratory received a special honor and a heartwarming moment. On March 20, 2026, Professor Yu Wenting from the Institute of Modern Physics personally presented a banner to Professor Han Dingding to express gratitude for her calm response and thoughtful assistance during a sudden illness. The shining words on the banner not only conveyed deep appreciation but also bore witness to a race against time to protect a life.
The incident occurred on November 13, 2025, on the fifth floor of Building 1 at the Jiangwan Campus. Professor Yu suddenly experienced a respiratory alkalosis attack, with symptoms such as difficulty breathing and hand spasms, placing her in a critical condition. Professor Han Dingding, who was on the scene, immediately noticed something was wrong, quickly assessed the situation, and initiated an emergency response.
While calming Professor Yu, Professor Han calmly communicated with other colleagues to contact the campus clinic, explaining the situation, and simultaneously called 120 for emergency medical services. Considering that ambulances might face delays navigating the campus due to its complex layout, Professor Han arranged for personnel to wait at key intersections to guide the ambulance to the scene as quickly as possible, buying precious time for the rescue effort.
After the ambulance arrived, Professor Han and other colleagues thoughtfully arranged for two female coworkers to accompany Professor Yu to the hospital, ensuring better coordination of medical matters during treatment. At the same time, she promptly informed the department leadership and Professor Yu’s family, ensuring clear communication with all parties. Thanks to the timely medical attention and proper handling, Professor Yu successfully underwent examinations and ultimately recovered from the critical condition.
Months later, after recovering, Professor Yu remained deeply grateful for Professor Han Dingding’s calm composure and meticulous arrangements during the emergency. At the banner presentation, Professor Yu emotionally remarked, “The situation was extremely critical at the time. If Professor Han hadn’t remained calm and handled every detail so thoughtfully, the consequences could have been unimaginable. This banner represents my heartfelt gratitude.”
Professor Han Dingding, in turn, stated that she had simply done what needed to be done and believed any colleague in her position would have extended a helping hand. She also reminded everyone to pay attention to their health amidst their busy schedules, emphasizing the importance of staying calm and acting scientifically in emergencies.
As a teacher, Professor Han Dingding is known for her rigorous scholarship and dedication to education in both research and teaching. In a moment of crisis, she led by example, embodying the essence of “setting an example as an educator.” Her calmness and sense of responsibility not only saved a colleague’s health but also provided an invaluable lesson to the students and faculty present. Students truly witnessed that the strength of a teacher lies not only in imparting knowledge but also in the composure and responsibility shown when stepping up in critical moments.
This incident not only highlighted Professor Han Dingding’s exceptional mental resilience and strong sense of responsibility but also reflected the deep bonds of solidarity and mutual support within the laboratory and among colleagues. A banner and a word of thanks convey warmth, trust, and peace of mind.
