Chapter 206: Bringing Capital into the Group
“You must be Reporter Zhu! Welcome! Xiao Zhang, please pour some tea for Reporter Zhu!”
Meng Heming greeted the reporters in front of him with enthusiasm. He sat down and then said: "Reporter Zhu, when I heard that you were coming to our Department of Biology for an interview, I immediately put down the work at hand and rushed over. If you have anything to ask, feel free to ask. As long as it does not involve experimental confidentiality, I will You must be telling me everything you know!”
The reporter Zhu on the opposite side was a little hesitant. The topic of his interview today was not very friendly to Tsinghua University. He thought he would encounter all kinds of excuses, but he didn’t. I thought people could be so enthusiastic.
"Director Meng, let's get started." Reporter Zhu took out the recording pen and put it on the table: "Do you mind if I record it?"
"I don't mind. Even if it's recorded, your media has the right to know. As long as it's reported truthfully, it'll be fine." Meng Heming replied with a smile.
"Don't worry, we are also a regular media under the radio and television system. We will definitely report truthfully and not take quotes out of context."
Reporter Zhu cleared his throat and said: "Recently, the newspaper There is a report that has caused many media reprints and extensive discussions. The report is called "Why can't we retain talents?" I wonder if you have read this report? "
" You see, we who do scientific research do not just rush into the laboratory and ignore what is going on outside the window. I pay attention to current news and hot social topics every day."
Meng Heming nodded and continued. : "In recent years, the phenomenon of brain drain in our country has attracted widespread attention from all walks of life. Many top talents choose to go abroad for further study or work overseas, causing the domestic talent structure to face severe challenges...
I think the limitations of the education system are one of the factors leading to brain drain. China's education system focuses too much on exam-oriented education. Of course, we have a population of more than one billion. Given the current national conditions, exam-oriented education is still a fair system for selecting talents...
In addition, the scientific research environment is also insufficient. An important reason for brain drain. Although our country has been increasing investment in scientific research in recent years, there are still certain problems with the efficiency of the use of scientific research funds and the scientific research evaluation system...
There is another point, which is actually quite important, but it is relatively What is easily overlooked is the quality of life that talents consider. It is nature for everyone to have better material living conditions. In terms of material, there is indeed a certain gap between China and developed countries. This is an objective fact. We have to admit..."
Meng Heming began to talk eloquently, He expressed his views on the brain drain, which sounded reasonable.
But reporter Zhu's expression became increasingly impatient. He tried to interrupt Meng Heming several times, but never got the chance.
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Meng Heming is a university professor, and his special skill is to give lectures to students! It would be easy for him to talk about the topic for forty minutes in a class.
If Meng Heming really opened up about such a big topic as brain drain, he could talk about it all day long.
Finally, Meng Heming finished his long speech, then picked up the teacup, took a sip, and moistened his throat.
Reporter Zhu sighed and said helplessly: "Director Meng, your views on brain drain are profound and simple, and your insights are unique and insightful. I am deeply inspired.
But The main content of the report I mentioned, "Why We Can't Retain Talents," is that your school failed to retain an outstanding scholar named Zhang Wei, which caused him to go to the United States. It is said that Professor Zhang Wei, Originally from the biology department of your school.”
"You mean Zhang Wei, yes, he is from our biology department." Meng Heming readily admitted.
“It was reported a few days ago that Professor Zhang Wei has developed a major result in the United States, which can treat almost all diseases and allow humans to live to 200 years old?”
“You Are you talking about IPS cells? There is such a thing! This IPS cell is indeed an extremely important scientific research breakthrough. If this research continues to develop, it is not an exaggeration to say that humans can overcome all diseases and live to 200 years old. "
"Then such a top scientist did not stay at Tsingta University, but went to the United States. What do you think of this problem?" Reporter Zhu asked immediately.
“About Zhang Wei, he is indeed a rare genius in a century. It is no exaggeration to say that all the professors in our Department of Biology put together may not be worthy of him alone.
You don’t know that this IPS cell is not his first major scientific research breakthrough. Previously, when he was at Tsinghua University, he also developed two scientific research results: genetic scissors and nucleoside modification.
You are not a scholar in this field, and you may not know the importance of these two scientific research results. Let me introduce them to you. Let’s talk about genetic scissors first..."
What I talked about before Brain drain is not Meng Heming's major. He can beep for most of the day. Now when it comes to biology, it is Meng Heming's professional specialty. He talks about it endlessly, and it is not uncommon.
Meng Heming can talk about it endlessly. , beeping for more than half an hour, which made Reporter Zhu look depressed.
Those who work as reporters and major in journalism are basically liberal arts students. If they were really interested in biology, they would have gone there long ago. I'm studying science. If you ask a liberal arts student to take a half-hour biology class, it's a torturous experience.
Finally, Meng Heming picked up the teacup again and began to moisten his throat. Reporter Zhu, who had just enjoyed the ordeal, immediately asked: "Professor Meng, since Professor Zhang Wei is so outstanding, why did he not stay at Tsing University instead of going to Tsinghua University?" America? Didn’t Tsinghua University find a way to keep such outstanding talents in the country and contribute to the development of the motherland? "
" Speaking of Zhang Wei going to the United States, I also feel very sad. It’s a pity, but we really can’t blame Qingdao for this matter.”
Meng Heming felt that he was almost done and it was time to get to the main topic of the day.
So he continued: "Actually, the IPS cell research project should have been done at Tsinghua University, and the research results should have stayed at Tsinghua University. But during the process of applying for funding, We encountered some obstacles, and the funding application for this project was rejected by our superiors many times."
Meng Heming said, taking out a document that had been prepared long ago and introducing it; "This is what we have to submit to our superiors. Application for project funds and records of rejection by superiors
Including the time when we applied for funding, the time when we inquired about the progress, the time when our superiors rejected it, the time when we applied again, and the time when we were rejected again, we all kept records, and it’s all there.
Scientific research, if you are a little slower, others will do it first, and your hard work will be in vain! Zhang Wei also waited for a long time, but his superiors refused to approve the funds. It is difficult for a clever woman to make a meal without rice. Without money, there is no way to do scientific research!
At this time, Princeton University in the United States happened to be willing to grant funding to Zhang Wei, so he went directly to the United States. To tell you the truth, which university in the world is not competing for this kind of top talent. We don’t have funds for him to conduct research, so we can’t delay him!
Of course, we cannot blame the superior department for being too slow in approving funds. After all, there are systems and procedures for fund approval. The superior departments strictly abide by the rules and regulations and the fund approval process. We should understand this! "
Meng Heming threw the pot away and went back to add something.
"Director Meng, can I take a photo of what's recorded here?" Reporter Zhu asked.
"This is just a record of our daily work and does not involve scientific research secrets. You can take pictures if you want. We have to respect the media's right to know!" Meng Heming replied with a smile.
Reporter Zhu immediately took out his camera and pressed the shutter on the document.
......
At the same time, Principal Gu was not idle either. At this time, he was in a reception room, waiting to be received by the leader.
The secretary walked into the reception room in small steps and said to Principal Gu: "Principal Gu, it's your turn. The leader is busy today and you only have twenty minutes."
"Okay!" Principal Gu stood up. Come and follow the secretary to the leadership office.
Arrived outside, Principal Gu waited for another five minutes. He waited until the last person came before he went in.
"Leader, I am here to review your situation today." Principal Gu said straight to the point.
As soon as he heard the initiative to "review", the leader immediately became interested. "Not long ago, a major scientific research result was announced in the field of biological sciences, called induced pluripotent stem cells, whose English name is abbreviated as IPS cells. This type of cells can be used as a substitute for embryonic stem cells and will make a revolutionary contribution to medical research. ! ”
Principal Gu gave a general introduction to IPS cells.
"I have seen public opinion collection in this area before. But after listening to your introduction, I have a better understanding of this achievement."
Principal Gu continued: "Actually, This result should have belonged to our Tsinghua University. The scholar who studied this result, Zhang Wei, is also from our Tsinghua University. However, due to some special reasons, he went to the United States. As a result, this scientific research result became cheaper for Americans. < br>
It is our Tsinghua University’s failure to keep such important scientific research results in China. Although this is caused by some special reasons, we still have to bear the responsibility, so I have to bear it. Make a self-examination, I betrayed the trust of the country!”
Principal Gu mentioned "special reasons" twice in a row, making it clear that he wanted to mention this matter. The other party also asked very interestingly: "What is the special reason you mentioned?"
"It's funding! The funding we applied for has never been approved! Princeton University in the United States is willing to provide scientific research funding, and people Isn’t it over?”
The other party immediately understood that Principal Gu was not here to review, but to complain!
Next, Principal Gu elaborated on the issue of being stuck with scientific research funds.
As the other party listened, his face gradually turned livid.
It's not that he doesn't know that there are people who use the power to allocate funds to get some benefits, but when the water is clear, there will be no fish. This kind of thing usually just turns a blind eye.
But if it harms the interests of the country, it will exceed the bottom line!
......
After Principal Gu finished his report, he walked out of the office. He took out his mobile phone, which showed a missed call from Meng Heming. Principal Gu immediately responded Got the phone.
"Principal, according to what you said, I have already reported the matter to the reporter." Meng Heming said.
"I have also reported it to the leader here. Although the leader did not express his position on the spot, judging from his appearance, he should be very unhappy."
"Principal, although we are taking a two-pronged approach, I I always feel that doing this is of no use!”
“There are some things that are not as important as being weighed, but even if they are weighed, they can’t be stopped!” Principal Gu paused and continued. : "We are going to put the matter on the record now!"
......
After the college entrance examination, Zhang Wei returned to Princeton University.
As soon as he returned to Princeton University, Professor Shi called Zhang Wei into his office.
“You are finally back!” Professor Shi said with an impatient expression.
Zhang Wei thought it was Sam, that old unlucky guy, who was causing trouble again, so he said, "After I got off the plane, I talked to Sam on the phone. He said everything went well in the laboratory. Could it be that I got off the plane from the plane?" Did something happen when we got here?"
"It's okay, Sam. I have other things to do with you. There are several people who want to participate in the follow-up research on IPS cells, and they are waiting for your decision! This is their resume."
Professor Shi said, took a folder and handed it to Zhang Wei.
"Before you left, didn't you ask me for someone? You also need an assistant professor. Now there are not only assistant professors who want to participate in this project, but also formal professors!" Professor Shi continued.
"Senior brother, didn't you say before that when you reach the position of assistant professor, you have projects on hand and don't have time to come? Why do so many people appear all of a sudden?" Zhang Wei asked, pointing to the folder.
“Two reasons. One is because everyone has seen the potential of IPS cells. Of course, they all want to get involved in such a potential project. They will also be the first to benefit from the subsequent research and development results.” Professor Shi explained.
Zhang Wei nodded, the research on IPS cells is still in its early stages, and there is great potential to be explored in subsequent research. This is equivalent to a large oil field that has just been explored. There are many places where drilling can be done. Come early and reap the benefits.
"What is the second reason?" Zhang Wei continued to ask.
"The second reason is that summer vacation is here and students are on vacation. Many professors do not need to take on teaching tasks and have more time to devote to scientific research.
Your research on IPS cells is currently One of the most high-profile projects in molecular biology, those professors who have extra time must want to study with you.”
People who engage in scientific research are always learning, even if they are formal professors. , To say that I went to study with Zhang Wei is not to be modest, but to really learn the most cutting-edge biological science and technology.
"Okay, let me see who is there." Zhang Wei opened the folder and started to look at the resumes inside.
The first person is a formal professor, and he is from Northwestern University.
"Isn't this person from Princeton, Professor Stapp from Northwestern University? Can people from other universities come too?" Zhang Wei asked.
“You may not know Professor Stapp from Northwestern University. He is a famous scholar in the field of neurons. In recent years, he has been studying the use of neuron therapy to treat Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. . He is the top neurologist in the United States."
"He must be a very powerful doctor, right? I heard that doctors in the United States are very profitable."
"Neurology is involved. When it comes to the brain, it's not just ordinary money-making. The key is that Professor Stapp is very famous. He gets more research funding every year than me!"
"So powerful?" Zhang Wei gasped.
Professor Shi’s scientific research funding of 8 million to 10 million US dollars a year is already considered to be a lot. This Stapp actually has more scientific research funds than Professor Shi. This also shows that Stapp’s academic level is very high and he is famous. It's also huge.
“In the United States, it is easier to get funding for research related to disease treatment, not to mention that it is neurology! It is a subject related to the brain.
For example, Azhai There are so many patients with Alzheimer's disease around the world, and many of them are wealthy people. How much money can we make if we can overcome Alzheimer's disease?
Otherwise, our family will make money! It's your sister-in-law who makes money to support the family! Compared with those of us who are engaged in medical research, we are just a bunch of paupers!"
Professor Shi paused and then continued: "This Sta. Pu also wants to participate in IPS cell research, and it’s not for nothing. He also brings one million US dollars in scientific research funds, so I strongly recommend that you accept his joining.”
"I've heard that there are people who bring money to join the team when acting, and there are people who bring money to join the team when doing scientific research! What Americans do is just fancy!" Zhang Wei nodded, and then said: "For this one million US dollars, this person I definitely want it!”
(End of this chapter)