Article Source: Intellectuals
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Finally, a major event called for many years by the scientific and technological community has finally responded: On the eve of the Spring Festival, the State Council issued "Several Opinions on the Comprehensive Strengthening of Basic Scientific Research" on how to strengthen the overall deployment of basic scientific research. This is the first time in China that China's science and technology This usher in a turning point: From the past to focus on technological innovation and technological innovation and scientific discovery.
So, what are the basic characteristics of basic research? China to strengthen basic research should pursue what kind of goal? In this process should pay attention to what issues? Beijing Institute of Life Sciences Wang Xiaodong recently accepted the author's interview pointed out: China's basic scientific research can not Great Leap Forward.
Interview | Li Han Bing (Correspondent correspondent)
Editor | Li Xiaoming
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Basic research can not entertain, to take the medal at the Olympic Games
Now that China attaches importance to basic scientific research, it is definitely a belated event.
The basic scientific research mission is to explore the unknown, to find new knowledge, which is an important symbol of human beings different from animals.As with literature and art, science is an important part of human civilization.At the same time, the basic findings of new scientific research, new knowledge is Shared by all mankind and serving all mankind, so it is an unbiased public welfare undertaking, therefore, it is impossible to say that it is necessary to engage in basic scientific research with the mindset of ' Today, planting trees will have to enjoy the cool tomorrow ', or' grow their own trees can only enjoy their own cool '.
For a variety of reasons, China has not taken the initiative to embrace this renaissance of modern science in Europe, and for a long time we are basically in a state of study and follow-up, enjoying very little and very little contribution. Now China has become the world The second largest economy, the impression that the world can not just buy and buy, China's population accounts for one fifth of the world's population, and the Chinese people are smart and hardworking and should make their own contribution to the scientific development of mankind.
Moreover, even if you have made a little contribution, others will recognize. Tu Yo Yo because of the discovery of artemisinin and won the Nobel Prize, it is very long to the Chinese people thing .Therefore, to strengthen basic scientific research for the development of human science The due contribution should be the proper meaning of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
At the same time, we must also see that basic scientific research belongs to the open system of globalization. No matter who made the results, it should be put on a table and international counterparts can participate in. After the publication of scientific research achievements, the counterparts must first falsify , Then stepping on the shoulders of others to go up, the knowledge to a new level.
In other words, China's basic scientific research can not be confined to China and its participation in the global cycle, but it is necessary to understand the world's scientific development and find out exactly what it is like in the global scientific research system The niche.
This involves another question: What is the purpose of China's basic research? Is it necessary to train the team? Is it necessary to have the right to speak in certain disciplines, to establish a strong national team? Or to really original in some areas In my opinion, these goals are not necessarily the same.
What is clear is that China should strengthen its basic scientific research to keep its doors open and entertain themselves, put itself in the international basic scientific research system and strive to make influential contributions, or if you are busy for a long time, what sounds in the international research community No, like a figure skating, you slip well in Tuanjiehu, you can jump around, applauded around the audience, you are also very proud, but this is just entertain.
Entertain themselves, be a hegemony in the country, but also live a decent, but also with a group of people to play.But, can you participate in the Olympic Games? Can not take place?
In addition to taking the ranking, but also consider whether you can lead.Exploration of scientific research at two levels, one is digging in others digging watering, one is digging a pit in front of themselves, so that others in this pit watering fill .
To go forward and open up their own territories and then lead the scientific development in one or more areas should be the grand logic of China's basic scientific research.
What worries me most is that it is easy for China to make fundamental scientific research a big leap forward
How should China engage in basic scientific research? What I am most worried about is an easy path to great leap forward.
Because we had a poor foundation and a weak foundation, we are now finally given a chance to grow rapidly. However, if we do not have enough economic strength and talent reserves to fully develop, we have to select the areas where the present seemingly advantageous areas are developing rapidly. That is to say, Of the 'focus on big things.' Previous stem cell plan, and is now pushing the brain science programs, is such a few.
It sounds like there is nothing wrong with concentrating on big things, but what if the big thing is wrong? Not only can you not overtake a car, it will drive you to the dead end.
So many high-IQ people carefully planned 'big event', how to choose the wrong? This involves the basic characteristics of the most important scientific research: the technical route and the target output are relatively clear technical engineering is completely different, basic research Of the "unknown" a lot, not only take what kind of road is unclear, when can a breakthrough, the breakthrough in the end what is the result, but also full of variables .Especially the cutting-edge scientific exploration, not to mention big colleagues, even engage in this area Of scientists can only 'feel the stones across the river', 'despite the hard work do not ask for harvest.' For the forefront of exploration, the success can only be a small probability event, 'determined to not spend, unintentional, willowy' is a basic research Often things.
As an example, you asked the best brain science expert in China to ask: What is the most important advance in neurological research in the past 20 years? The answer is definitely 'optogenetics.' With this technology, scientists can clearly observe each However, the key breakthrough in this technology is not the credit of brain scientists, but the German scientist who studied the phototropism of green single-cell algae, and later engaged in brain science put it Applied to neuroscience research, and made a series of important breakthroughs. Do you engage in "brain science plan", will not pull people who come to study algae?
Another example is the well-known gene editing, which can be arguably the most important breakthrough in the life sciences of the past two decades, but this technique was originally developed by scientists who studied how bacteria fight bacteriophages and this is a very The small field at that time was certainly one of the 'niche minority' in the study, because after years of research, Berkeley and MIT scientists intervened to finally come up with gene editing that is now widely used. If you have to do gene editing from the beginning, is it possible?
In addition to violating the most basic feature of the basic scientific research on uncertainty, from an operational point of view, it is also debatable whether to concentrate on major issues.
If China wants to make breakthroughs in basic scientific research, a group of highly respected scientists who have a real academic discourse at the international front will have to devote themselves to long-term hard work. There are only a handful of scientists in this field in our country. These people carry it out, let them be leaders, and what is the result of carrying these people out?
I have always stressed that the scientific research itself is a technical job. Qu not leave, boxing leave, only day after day, year after year in the laboratory to think, hands-on, listening to see the first line of gunfire climb I will never know how to do it myself, I know it myself; three weeks do not practice, my colleagues know; three months without practicing, the global counterparts will know.But, let you be ' Big plan 'leader, to do all kinds of things that have nothing to do with the academic, how do you do? You have to install it! You installed, the following people will follow suit. The results of the installation, without me, there are many ready-made examples.
Of course, it does not mean that experience is not important, but if he is led and commanded by others because of his experience in basic sciences, it is certainly wrong - and now the science and technology are developing so rapidly that the so-called experience will soon change Into a useless 'old calendar', and even counterproductive.
In fact, the Great Leap Forward in China's technology sector is not a new thing. Prior to this, both stem cell programs, there are major infectious disease prevention and control, research and development of new drugs and other major projects. Engage in so many years, cast so much money, these 'plan' special Of course, the conclusion is sure to be able to make an account, such as how many papers have been issued, how many people have been trained, it is also said 'fruitful', but after five years, ten years later Looking back, what are the 'plans' and 'outputs' of these plans and what are the real impacts?
The Great Leap Forward has its advantages, of course. It has momentum and scale. Especially in the country, it will soon be easy to form a certain momentum. But its result is, in the end, definitely a number of articles, a number of impact factors, and the number of Ph.Ds. What purpose do we have to pursue basic scientific research? It is of course necessary to cultivate talents and issue articles. However, we cannot just stay at this level.
To strengthen basic scientific research, if we have to 'concentrate on doing big things', we must sum up the lessons learned before. We can't always be 'crazy bears sticks--one to throw one', right?
The clearest road is to establish a relaxed and free environment in which there are basic universities and research institutes, so that a large number of outstanding young people can explore freely.
It is impossible for China to strengthen its basic scientific research without scholars respected by its counterparts in all fields because "we do not know which cloud will rain," so we must establish a balanced development of the ecological system so that everyone can be good at them In the field of unwillingness, intensive work, but our current environment and practices, is not conducive to make sense of the first line of research to do the day ahead?
What should I do specifically? I think the clearest path is to set up a relaxed and resource-sharing environment and conditions for colleges and institutes that have foundations so that a large number of outstanding young people can freely explore.
The way North students go is such a way .Our approach is nothing more than a few -
First, with the support of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Beijing Municipal Government, a platform should be set up to provide young people with a steady financial support so that they can independently choose their own problems and explore freely.
Second, formulate a unified assessment rule, conduct an international anonymous assessment in five years, and leave through to raise the remuneration and scientific research funds so as to pass the pass.
Third, implement the annual salary system for laboratory directors to dispense with their worries and enable them to lead a relatively dignified life.
Fourth, cultural construction, to create a good atmosphere for scientific research, so that we know what is good science, the courage to be at risk of scientific issues.
From the founding date to the present, despite the ups and downs in the middle of a lot of academic backbone, but looking back, both the output of scientific research or success rate, North students are very high.
Nowadays in China's universities and colleges, life sciences are taking the lead in Tsinghua University, Peking University and Zhejiang University.It takes such steps as building a platform and sharing resources so that excellent young people can take the initiative at any time.As long as the system construction Well, anyone who is smart and willing to do something can do well.
For more than a decade, I have always emphasized empowerment of young people, that scientific research resembles competitive sports, that one is to break through the limits of human intelligence and the other is to break through the limits of human physical strength. All of them are very cruel and require the wisest people at the top to work wholeheartedly Have a chance to win.
At present, China does not lack outstanding young people and funds. What is lacking is a good scientific research environment. In particular, it encourages young people to concentrate on the environment of scientific research and intensive cultivation.
Do not forget this one: real smart people are not willing to work for others.
We think about it: After all those cooperatives and people's communes had been engaged in for so many years, they did not have any food for their work. After the land was distributed to peasants, they dialed so much food that they got diabetes. child.
By extension, the government should do the same for basic scientific research. It does not mean that the government should not manage but what you should control. The government should do its best to find ways to make scientific research adequate and make the environment better. Not specifically dry this one.
In short, it is not necessary to step up basic scientific research to make a breakthrough. Instead, we should create an ecological environment rich in species, prosperous and prosperous, with plenty of sunshine. There are trees and grass in the park. Everyone can do their best and be recognized.