A Brief History of the Institute of Theoretical Physics in the Chinese Academy of Sciences since 1978

The Institute of Theoretical Physics (ITP), Chinese academy of Sciences (CAS), founded in June 1978, is a specialized institute studying major issues in the fundamental research of theoretical physics. ITP has played an important role in the development of theoretical physics in China, especially in organizing and undertaking major national projects, expanding international exchanges and cooperation, and nurturing advanced researchers. My presentation will examine the reasons why ITP was founded in 1978 and why Peng Huanwu and Zhou Guangzhao, two prominent Chinese theorists, were chosen as the first and second directors of ITP. Moreover, I will summarize ITP's scientific activities and achievements in the past 35 years. Last but not least, I will compare ITP with university physics departments and explore its unique characters (both strength and weakness).