By | Journalist Li Sihui from China Science News Correspondent Nian Laixia"It's no use appealing to anyone for mercy. Why didn't they take any action earlier and only come to complain about the 'significant impact on the school' after being delisted?" At the "2024 Hubei Province Science and Technology Work Conference" held recently, the person in charge of the Hubei Provincial Department of Science and Technology clearly stated that a number of unqualified provincial key laboratories will be delisted.According to the rectification and acceptance results and delisting notice of 17 Hubei provincial key laboratories announced by the Hubei Provincial Department of Science and Technology in 2023, six poorly performing provincial key laboratories, including the High-power Semiconductor Technology Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory and the Industrial Gas Purification and Refinement Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory, have already been delisted. This is the first time since the establishment and operation of Hubei provincial key laboratories 19 years ago that delisting has occurred.It is understood that the construction of provincial key laboratories is an important measure for Hubei Province to promote "self-reliance and self-strengthening in science and technology." Hubei provincial key laboratories are dedicated to solving important scientific problems in the forefront of discipline development and Hubei's economic and social development. They carry out high-level basic research, applied basic research, and cutting-edge technological research in key areas. Over the past 19 years, Hubei Province has successively established a batch of provincial key laboratories, producing a number of scientific and technological innovation achievements, with a considerable portion of them achieving market transformation. However, there are also some provincial key laboratories with poor operation and outstanding issues of inaction.In 2022, relevant departments of Hubei Province issued rectification notices to 17 provincial key laboratories, granting them one year for rectification. In June 2023, the relevant departments assessed the performance of provincial key laboratories in 2022, quantitatively evaluating data in terms of achievement output and academic level, team construction and talent cultivation, service to economic and social development, and open exchanges and operation management. In October 2023, experts conducted on-site inspections and qualitative evaluations, ranking six laboratories that ranked low and clearly did not meet the requirements of the current management measures in delisting according to the principle of comprehensive scoring "from high to low.""Delisting is not the goal, but through this punishment measure, we aim to further establish a dynamic management mechanism of 'survival of the fittest,'" said the person in charge of the Hubei Provincial Department of Science and Technology. The six provincial key laboratories that were delisted in this round are typical cases of "emphasizing application but neglecting operation." In the subsequent daily management, the units supporting poorly operated and less valued provincial key laboratories will strengthen work reminders, guide and motivate laboratories to play their role, and support the construction of a strong province in science and technology.
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Commentary: Scientific research management needs to be serious
By | Li SihuiThe reason why the delisting of provincial key laboratories has attracted attention is that research management in many places has once been lax and soft, lacking effective elimination mechanisms. As a result, being labeled as "key" became about projects, funds, and resources, rather than breakthroughs in critical core technology and scientific innovation.It is not only the provincial key laboratories, but also many "collective brands" or "personal titles" currently exist to some extent the situation of "emphasizing application but neglecting operation." In order to obtain support and gain prestige, many people put in a lot of effort and stay up late to write reports. However, once they secure the "title" and obtain benefits, they slack off and are unwilling to take responsibility or take action. Some people may hold dazzling titles but engage in mediocre or even subpar work. How can they justify the precious research funds and the expectations of the party and the people?Delisting is not the goal, nor is it intended to embarrass anyone. It is a way to seriously address the issue and urge everyone to realize that the "labels" in scientific research and the "titles" in academia correspond to responsibilities. They should truly embody the characteristics of key institutions or leading talents.We hope that the delisting action in Hubei will bring about a greater impact, so that scientific researchers can seriously examine the relationship between "application" and "operation," "titles" and "contributions," and "reputation" and "substance," and avoid being in name only while failing to live up to the trust placed in them.China Science News (January 24, 2024, 1st Edition, Top News)Editor | Zhao LuLayout | Zhi Hai Please scan the QR code below for identification in 3 seconds
