System reform plan of the Association for Science and Technology： Young talent promotion project attracts the attention of the industry
A few days ago, the General Office of the Central Committee of the CPC issued the Implementation Plan for Deepening the Reform of the Association for Science and Technology. As an important part of the reform of the talent service mechanism of the Association for Science and Technology, the "Young Talent Lift Project" (hereinafter referred to as the "Lift Project") has been widely concerned by the scientific and technological circles. The "lift project" is just one of many programs in China that focus on the growth of young scientific and technological talents. What are the functions of these projects, and how can the help reach the scientific and technological talents in need more accurately? Let’s listen to the voices of young scientists and technicians.
Solve worries
Reduce the worries of young scientific research talents and give them continuous and stable support.
"Two authoritative experts in the computer field sent me a recommendation email and asked me if I was under 32 years old. Only then did I know that China Association for Science and Technology launched a special lift ‘ Little people ’ The project. As a young man engaged in scientific research, I am eager to be lifted. " Kelvin Cui, a young lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Technology in Tsinghua University, said.
Kelvin Cui mentioned that the "Young Talents Support Project" of China Association for Science and Technology supported the "little people", which was officially launched in October 2015. It is planned to select about 200 young scientific and technological personnel under the age of 32 every year, give stable support of about 150,000 yuan every year for three consecutive years, and fund "Little Green Peppers" (young teachers) to carry out original research. A few days ago, the project announced the first selection list.
"Desire to be lifted" expresses the aspirations of many young researchers. "To do basic scientific research is to explore the unknown. I can’t see or touch it. Sometimes I don’t know what I can study. It is normal to stay up late reading literature and doing experiments, and my mental pressure is great. We hope to get attention and guidance. " Kelvin Cui said that there are many scientific research "little people" like him. Although they have enthusiasm and desire, and their goals are clear, their growth paths are vague and sometimes they are bound.
At the same time, the basic salary of young researchers is relatively low, and they usually need to undertake scientific research projects to increase their income. Therefore, whether you can apply for projects and scientific research resources not only directly affects your income, but also may affect whether you can make achievements in the early stage of your scientific research career and get academic recognition.
In reality, young scientific and technological personnel are often at a disadvantage in applying for scientific research projects and participating in academic activities. Some analysts said that at present, the talents of most scientific research institutions tend to be younger, and young people under the age of 35 gradually occupy the mainstream. The age of 30 to 40 is the most energetic and creative stage for scientific and technological personnel, and it is also the key stage to produce results. If it is difficult to obtain the resources and opportunities needed for growth during this period, creativity may not be brought into play, resulting in a waste of talents.
Take the platform
More important than funds, it is to set up a platform for young people to show and grow from this as a starting point.
Zhang Jiajun, an associate researcher at the Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, was also selected for the "Lift Project". Zhang Jiajun said that in the field of basic research, the number of places of the "Outstanding Youth Science Fund" and "Outstanding Youth Science Fund" is very limited, and the "Lift Project" has opened up a new channel for young people. In addition to being able to get some scientific research funding support, more importantly, being selected as a "lift project" is an affirmation of your scientific research level. At the same time, with the help of the platform of the Association for Science and Technology, outstanding experts can be invited to get guidance advice, which can correct the direction of scientific research in time and prevent deviation.
"The annual support of 150,000 yuan is not much for scientific research. We still need to apply for topics and projects normally, but it gives us confidence." Zhang Jiajun introduced that in mid-April, he had planned to hold a small seminar on deep learning technology in the name of the lift project. "According to our needs, China Branch Association entrusts the society to invite the best in the field ‘ Outstanding youth ’ Attending the meeting is the greatest help to us. "
Song Jun, Minister of Academic Department of China Association for Science and Technology, said that the Association can invite experts in related fields to give guidance, tailor-made support platforms and integrate supporting resources according to the individual scientific research wishes and needs of each young person. In addition, China Association for Science and Technology can track and record its academic behavior track, collect and analyze data, so as to form a track road map and construction model of talent growth. Song Jun introduced that it is estimated that by 2020, about 1,000 young scientific and technological talents will be selected and funded by the "Lift Project".
The Chinese Academy of Sciences and other scientific and technological departments have also explored the training mode of young talents. Yang Zhongbo, director of the Talent Division of the Personnel Bureau of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, introduced that the Chinese Academy of Sciences has set up a "Youth Innovation Promotion Association" to focus on outstanding young scientific and technological backbones under the age of 35 and sub-senior professional titles. By adopting a "combination boxing" method, they are encouraged to carry out independent research and academic exchanges, strive to build a growth ladder and display platform for young talents, and drive other young people to grow together.
"The Chinese Academy of Sciences also organized the implementation of ‘ 3H project ’ (that is, housing, family, health), helping young scientific and technological talents to relieve their worries. At the same time, organize training and research for young talents from time to time to keep abreast of their difficulties and problems. " Yang Zhongbo said.
Alignment star
Optimize standards, strengthen pertinence, and avoid "winner takes all". Young people expect more precise support.
The lift project encourages young scientific and technological personnel to choose their own topics, and they also have greater decision-making power in the use of funds. "We won’t force those who are supported to produce results immediately, but guide young talents to make full use of ‘ Golden period of scientific research ’ Lay a good foundation for future growth. " Song Jun said.
Zhang Jiajun also believes that the biggest advantage of the "lift project" lies in focusing on the training process rather than the results, so that he can get exercise in the scientific research process without too much pressure.
Experts said that these support programs for young talents have in common that they emphasize supporters rather than a specific project, and they are not evaluated by quantitative indicators such as papers during assessment. Young researchers can explore in their own way with peace of mind and freedom. This is an important innovation in the talent training model.
What improvements are needed in the support program for young scientific and technological talents?
Zhang Jiajun hopes that the selection criteria of some young talent support programs are still worth discussing. For example, compared with locally trained doctors, Dr. Haigui is more likely to get attention. "I think the key should be to look at the potential and true level of young talents, not external factors such as academic qualifications."
Kelvin Cui said that at present, many talent programs are aimed at all disciplines and all researchers, which are highly versatile. There may be a situation where one person has a strong ability and one person can eat several projects. "Support projects can be diversified to benefit more people. If different support is divided into different projects, some disciplines can be divided at the implementation level to strengthen pertinence, and more young people may be promoted. "
Yang Zhongbo said that in order to provide more opportunities for young talents, the Chinese Academy of Sciences has classified and restricted the application of various college-level talent projects. For example, "Jieqing" and "Young Thousand Talents" are no longer included in the management of the Hundred Talents Program, and those who have won the support of major talent programs of the state or the hospital are not allowed to apply for college-level talent programs during the implementation period, and each person may not apply for more than two college-level talent programs each year (times).
"These measures can effectively avoid the situation that all those who have the ability take all the food and one person wears more hats, and improve the funding coverage and benefits of limited talent funds." Yang Zhongbo said.
Our reporter Yu Siwei