Disciplines transmutation prompted by atomic energy development: From nuclear physics to high energy physics and theoretical physics

The atomic energy development has efficiently promoted the layout and development of a series of key disciplines in China. Based on reviewing historical facts, this study examines how China focused its scientific research efforts on prioritizing the development of nuclear science and technology, breaking through the nuclear weapons, and accomplishing the institutionalization of high-energy physics and theoretical physics. The study shows that theoretical physics played different roles in China’s scientific and technological development, while the development of high-energy physics was closely related to the economic, technological and social context. The development of nuclear physics, high-energy physics and theoretical physics in China has been greatly driven by the demand to meet national development needs and the pursuit of new knowledge on the frontiers of science and technology in the world.