A Research Life in a Wheelchair

Wang Ji, a researcher and doctoral supervisor at the School of Computer Science, National University of Defense Technology, was interviewed in Changsha, where he recounted his work and life after suddenly falling seriously ill and losing both legs. In 2013, after multiple surgeries for an aortic dissection, he survived a lifethreatening condition and then came to regard his life as a "second life," gradually recovering his ability to do research, teach, and travel for work in a wheelchair. Wang Ji has long been engaged in research on highassurance software technology. He was among the earliest in China to advocate related concepts, and together with his collaborators published systematic papers that promoted the development of this field in teaching and engineering practice. Later, he still persisted in leading his team to overcome challenges in software verification, training graduate students and technical backbone personnel, and driving related achievements to reach internationally advanced levels. The article also mentioned that since 2021, Wang Ji has needed regular dialysis due to impaired kidney function, but he still works according to his treatment schedule, holding meetings, revising papers, and guiding students in the ward. He said that neither research nor teaching can be set aside, and he hopes the technologies he works on can play a trustworthy and reliable safeguarding role in key national areas.