Abstract: HU Gang-fu （1892--1966）, who accomplished his education in physics earlier than others, was a first-generation Chinese physicist, a well-known science educator, and a Chinese forerunner in modern physics. For almost half of a century, he dedicated his life to China＇s science education and higher education, bringing up for China a host of talented people in science and technology. After a brief account of his family background and life, this article dwells upon HU Gang-fu＇s significant contributions to science education as well as his educational thought and style of work.

Key words: HU Gang-fu, forerunner, modern physics, family background and life, contributions to education