Article by Feng Peizhong (Professor, China University of Mining and Technology)
Recently, there have been waves of new policies from the National Natural Science Foundation of China. However, we should recognize that as individuals, we still need to focus on the essence of our own scientific research. We should adapt to the current situation, accumulate knowledge in the long term, continuously revise our research, and strive to make our research distinct.
I have noticed that some grant applications often give a vague sense of complaining without any actual need. This goes against the taboo of grant applications, and these taboos are widespread. Based on my observations and recent reflections, I have summarized four aspects of this issue.
Lack of actual demand. Whether it is an academic conference or a thesis defense, some people always start their speeches with grandiose and sensational statements, claiming that their research has far-reaching impact and great significance. It seems like everyone is doing something groundbreaking, worrying about the world's problems and enjoying its joys, and considering every aspect from the earth to humanity and the environment. But what is the actual demand?
Take photocatalysis as an example. Besides the progress in basic research, what about the progress in practical applications? How effective is the degradation of various organic compounds? This requires conducting research at sewage treatment plants, attending water treatment exhibitions, engaging in one-on-one conversations with frontline technical personnel, and engaging in multiple discussions. The conclusions may not be satisfactory, but at least we will know the current real demand and have a clear understanding of whether our research is aimed at the next 10, 20, 50, or 100 years.Similarly, in the field of aviation and aerospace, from wings to the nose, from engines to the skin, which parts need to withstand high temperatures? In the field of automotive lightweighting, which parts can be lightweighted first and how are we currently progressing? What was the background for the integrated die-casting of electric vehicle components? Why couldn't it be achieved earlier?All of these questions require on-site research, analysis, judgment, criticism, summarization, and reflection. We need to find accurate entry points and strive to find accurate answers rather than blindly pursuing large demands.Large demands are always correct, but in reality, it means not knowing the specific demands or focusing on small demands, which is a form of empty boasting without any actual demand.Lack of distinct direction. Everyone is doing research, but what is your research direction? Why are you choosing this direction? How many institutions in the country are working on it? What is your level of expertise? Does the university support your direction?The core of these questions is whether the direction pursued by the applicant has distinctiveness, whether they have unique ideas, or whether they are simply following the trend or closely serving the mainstream disciplines of their university or the needs of specific industries and regions.For example, if someone focuses on lithium batteries during their PhD and continues working on them after graduation, incorporating hot topics, future directions, publishing papers with high impact factors, and achieving performance indicators, it may seem correct, but in reality, it is laziness. After obtaining a degree based on lithium battery research, they fail to think from an innovative perspective about why they are doing it. If there is no similar industry in the local area and the university does not have a similar research team, they will continue doing the same thing, which is akin to being a "spoiled child" or being overly reliant on their advisor. They are unable to conduct independent research and can only continue without principles.Each individual may need to undergo transformation and development, entering interdisciplinary fields aligned with the mainstream disciplines of their university or the advantages of local industries. Only in this way can they highlight their own uniqueness. For example, conducting research on the safety of lithium batteries at a leading safety-focused university or conducting research on lithium batteries and related resources at a top mining university.Alternatively, focusing on topics such as thermal management of lithium batteries, recycling and reuse, leakage prevention, electrostatic friction, or simulating shell structures in batteries. These are all highly distinctive and meaningful. Another approach is to focus on different scenarios, such as explosion-proof lithium batteries for underground use, low-density energy storage batteries, or multicycle energy storage batteries. These differentiate yourself from others. Learn to be independent and demonstrate uniqueness.Lack of team influence.When I was young, my family grew a cash crop - onions. We believed that the onions from our village were the best in the neighboring counties. Later, I realized that it may have just been a belief shared within the village, or even just my own perception, without anyone else knowing about it. The same is true for the influence of scientific research. How many people know about the direction or field that you or your team is working on? Do people within your institute know? Does your university know? Or is it known at the provincial or national level? In other words, how influential is your label?If your university is not known outside of its own boundaries, it indicates that either your team is working in a niche area that is not recognized, or it lacks recognition. Being in a niche field is not necessarily a bad thing. If your research is highly specialized and has unique characteristics and irreplaceability, increasing publicity can bring hope. If it lacks recognition, it means there are better, bigger, and more suitable teams elsewhere. In such a case, the problem cannot be solved through publicity; it requires surpassing those limitations. Tap into the advantages of your team in terms of personnel, technology, facilities, etc.If none of the above conditions are present, how can you become influential beyond your institution? You need to conduct organized research. Align your work with the mainstream disciplines of your university or the distinctive industries of your region. Make purposeful adjustments to your team's direction and integrate it into the mainstream work of the university and the region. Speak out continuously and naturally establish influence over time.Another sign of lack of team influence is when there is no unified direction within the organization. If everyone is working individually or with no consensus on the direction of the research, it is impossible to demonstrate influence. For example, if the backbone of a project is made up of pieced-together personnel who are all working on different directions, how can there be impact? Therefore, new faculty members must integrate into a team or form their own teams. Utilize the influence of the university, discipline, and
