Volume 1: Student Life Chapter 317 National "Ten Thousand People Plan"
Inside the meeting room of the national organization department.
An old man is presiding over the selection meeting for the national "Thousand Talents Plan" here.
"It's that time of year again. I believe you have received a lot of letters of recommendation. If you have any ideas, feel free to share them." The old man is a leader of the State Council.
Because the national "Ten Thousand Talents Plan" is jointly initiated and implemented by 11 national departments, there must be a leader who is capable of making the final decision.
Otherwise, it is hard to say whether the selected personnel meet the standards of the plan.
Hearing the old leader's words, Tian Ligeng, the leader of the national organization department in charge of presiding over the meeting, said: "Then let's talk about the preliminary review first."
Tian Ligeng turned to a new page of the manuscript in his hand and continued, "There are about 1,000 candidates selected each year, including about 10 outstanding talents, about 800 leading talents, and about 200 young top talents. This is our annual average goal for 10 years."
"Of course, according to the original plan, there is no limit on the number of places each year. If there are too many outstanding talents, the number of places can naturally be expanded."
"During this period, our various departments have received a lot of recommendation letters. After the preliminary screening by our 11 departments, there are now 1,748 people left."
"It can be said that these 1,748 people fully meet the national 'Ten Thousand Talents Plan' selection criteria. Our meeting today will first review the first batch of 263 people. Now, according to the meeting process, we will begin the detailed screening of personnel."
After Tian Ligeng finished speaking, he nodded to the leader of the national science and technology department. The leader understood and took over Tian Ligeng's words and said, "Then, let's discuss the first batch of 263 people according to the list."
The leader of the national science and technology department is named Li Zhenbang. He took out the list of the first batch of candidates and began to read out the names: "First, we will screen the first batch of three outstanding talents."
"The first one is Wang Yifang. She is an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and director of the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. On November 9 this year, the 2015 'Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics' award ceremony was held in San Jose, California, USA."
"As the chief scientist of the Daya Bay Neutrino Project, Wang Yifang received this honor. This is also the first time that a Chinese scientist has won this award."
"Therefore, Wang Yifang's selection can be said to be what everyone expected. Old leader , the joint opinion of our 11 departments is to rank her first among outstanding talents."
The old leader of the State Council nodded slightly to show his agreement.
Seeing the old leader nod in agreement, Tian Ligeng, Li Zhenbang and other special leaders of 11 departments breathed a sigh of relief at the same time.
As the saying goes, the beginning is always the hardest.
Putting Wang Yifang first is to ensure that she is the first to pass with a unanimous vote.
With the successful completion of the first one, the subsequent ones will be much smoother.
Li Zhenbang took a pen and took notes, then continued, "Then Comrade Wang Yifang will be confirmed as the first of the first batch of outstanding talents this year."
"Next, the second one..."
The first batch of three outstanding talents this year were quickly finalized.
Almost all of them are bigwigs in various fields and play an important role in China.
It can be said that those who are qualified as outstanding talents are no longer ordinary people. They are people whose research directions are at the forefront of world science and technology, who have achieved major results in scientific research, and who have the potential to grow into world-class scientists.
This is also the reason why there are the fewest outstanding talents in the national “Thousand Talents Plan”.
Next, we discussed the candidates selected for the national “Thousand Talents Plan” for leading scientific and technological innovation talents.
If outstanding talents are the big names in their fields, then leading talents in scientific and technological innovation are those who have the hope of becoming true big names in their fields.
Of course, compared to the fact that outstanding talents are basically in the field of scientific research, leading talents in scientific and technological innovation are not limited to the field of scientific research.
This is also the reason why the number of leading talents in scientific and technological innovation is the largest in the national “Thousand Talents Plan”.
Also because this group of people had the largest number of people, even if the discussion was divided into batches, according to the meeting procedures of the organizing department, the discussion meeting for the first batch alone was scheduled for two days.
"Then let's start discussing the candidates for this year's first batch of leading talents in scientific and technological innovation. This number is the largest, so there may be some controversy in the meeting. Let's all be patient and share some of the worries of the old leaders." Li Zhenbang said with a smile.
The leaders in charge of the special projects in other departments all smiled and said, "No problem, this is what we should do. I believe we can reach a consensus."
However, when they said this, their eyes inadvertently passed over the old leader.
After all, the person who can really make the final decision is still this old man.
However, what they didn’t expect was that the person who would really cause big controversy was still behind.
Li Zhenbang took out the candidate list for the first batch of scientific and technological innovation leaders and continued to read out the names: "The first one is Fang Zhong. Deputy Director and Researcher of the Institute of Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences."
"This year, Fang Zhong's team discovered Weyl fermions in experiments for the first time. Scientists believe that this discovery is of great significance for breakthroughs in disruptive technologies such as topological electronics and quantum computers."
"Moreover, this research result was selected as one of the 'Top Ten Breakthroughs of 2015' by the British magazine Physics World."
"Based on the preliminary screening opinions, I propose that Comrade Fang Zhong be placed first among the first 200 leading talents in scientific and technological innovation. What do you think?"
Tian Ligeng glanced at his old leader and was the first to express his opinion: "I agree with Director Li's proposal. Although the scope of leading talents in scientific and technological innovation is relatively broad, the first priority should still be talents in the field of scientific research."
"On the one hand, it is consistent with our country's policies, and on the other hand, it corresponds to the fields of outstanding talents, presenting a situation of succession of talents."
Following Tian Ligeng, the special project leaders of other departments also expressed their opinions.
Except for only two people who said they would wait and see about the other candidates, the rest of the people basically agreed to put Fang Zhong first in the first batch.
China has always had a hidden problem of talent, especially in basic science.
What is there to hesitate about now?
Tian Ligeng has said everything that needs to be said, and all the aspects they can consider are also included in these two reasons.
"Old leader, what is your opinion?" Li Zhenbang asked.
The preliminary list had been submitted long ago, and the old leaders had basically seen it, though they knew everyone's situation.
But based on the information about those few people, it can be said that the information he possesses is richer than that of anyone else present.
Nodding slightly, the old leader made the decision: "No need to look at anyone else, Comrade Fang Zhong can be put first. Our country's basic scientific research needs such talents."
Once this sentence was said, the tone was basically set and no one had any objections.
At the same time, once this tone is set, it also provides a direction for subsequent discussions.
It also makes Li Zhenbang's proposal more confident.
Originally, during the discussion before the meeting, regarding who would read out the names, everyone hoped that someone from the organization department would do it, that is, Tian Ligeng.
How should I put it? The reason is probably that your organization department hosted the meeting, but the report on candidate proposals had to be made by people from other departments. Isn't that inappropriate?
In fact, when it comes down to it, it is still a question of responsibility for the joint selection by multiple departments.
However, Tian Ligeng himself has a different opinion. Just as he mentioned in the two considerations just now, he thinks it would be better to have someone from the science and technology department come as soon as possible.
After all, the person in charge of scientific research projects, the allocation of scientific research funds, and the research progress of scientific research projects know more about each candidate than he, the special person in charge of the organization department.
Reporting to old leaders is also more direct and more "convincing".
Li Zhenbang wanted to refuse at first, but the head of the science and technology department talked to him once.
He "accidentally" found Tian Ligeng, and after going through a lot of roundabout methods, he was finally "persuaded" by Tian Ligeng.
However, Tian Ligeng had to pay for a meal with wine before he "finally convinced" Li Zhenbang.
As the meeting progressed, Li Zhenbang glanced at Tian Ligeng casually, thinking, "Anyway, I've earned a meal. If he finds out later, then so be it. It's nothing."
At the end of the first day of the meeting, all three candidates for the first batch of outstanding talents were confirmed, and only 143 of the first batch of 200 candidates for leading talents in scientific and technological innovation were finalized, leaving 57 candidates to be finalized.
As for the first batch of 60 candidates who are young and outstanding talents who will serve as the future backbone of the successors, all of them are still in the process of preparation.
This speed is actually not slow, but it is not fast either.
Of course, this is also based on the situation after the old leader sets the tone.
After the meeting, Tian Ligeng found Li Zhenbang and said with a smile: "Old Li, am I right? It is still up to your science and technology department to report on the selection."
Li Zhenbang looked at Tian Ligeng and replied with a smile: "Yes, Old Tian, you are right. Thank you for speaking for me at the meeting."
After all, Li Zhenbang had drunk with the other person, so as the saying goes, one should be grateful to the person who has treated him the best, so he naturally responded quickly.
What's more, it was because of the advance instructions from the head of the science and technology department that he took the initiative to take on this job.
Being able to have a free meal and drink was already a pleasant surprise.
Hearing Li Zhenbang's words, Tian Ligeng shook his head: "I'm not speaking for you. You know me, I handle business as usual. What I said are the issues I really care about. Our country's basic national policy is there, and the formulation of the national 'Ten Thousand People Plan' is also in line with the national policy."
"Now that it's time for specific implementation, can we just abandon the basics and follow certain people?"
Li Zhenbang nodded slightly but said nothing.
He naturally knew who the "certain people" that Tian Ligeng was referring to, but it was better not to discuss it if possible.
After thinking for a while, whether out of guilt or other reasons, Li Zhenbang said, "Let's go, Lao Tian. We have basically finished the work on hand. Let's go for a drink?"
Tian Ligeng looked at Li Zhenbang in confusion: "You treat?"
Li Zhenbang smiled and said, "It's my treat!"
Tian Ligeng immediately showed his joy: "What are you waiting for? Let's go, let's go!"
As Li Zhenbang packed his things, he said, "Wait until I'm done!"
The next day, the meeting to finalize the first batch of candidates continued.
The old leaders attended as usual, and the special heads of the other 11 departments were all present.
Tian Ligeng presided over the meeting and Li Zhenbang reported the list of candidates.
"At our meeting yesterday, we have already finalized the first batch of 3 outstanding talents and 143 scientific and technological innovation leaders. Today, we will continue to finalize the first batch of 57 scientific and technological innovation leaders and 60 young top talents."
Tian Ligeng briefly talked about yesterday's meeting and then handed the right to speak to Li Zhenbang.
Li Zhenbang had already opened the list of candidates and was waiting, and the meeting started quickly.
A new round of discussions has begun on the remaining candidates for the first batch of leading scientific and technological innovation talents.
The meeting soon reached noon, and the candidates for the first batch of 200 leading talents in scientific and technological innovation were all finalized.
With the experience of the first day, there are far fewer controversial candidates today.
Basically, after Li Zhenbang proposes a candidate, the special person in charge of each department will briefly express his or her opinions, and then it will be confirmed.
There was no particularly controversial candidate.
Many people saw that the old leader hardly spoke and wondered if he shouldn't come.
Once the candidates are chosen, we can hold a special discussion meeting on the controversial candidates.
Some people even think that the old leader only needs to set the tone, and everyone basically knows what to do, so there is little point in him continuing to stay here and listen to the meeting discussions.
Of course, except Li Zhenbang, probably no one knew the real purpose of this old leader of the State Council coming here and attending the meeting.
However, even though Li Zhenbang had received instructions from the head of the science and technology department, he had not expected that the old leader would attend the meeting in its entirety.
After the morning meeting, the organizing department arranged lunch and a rest area after the meal.
According to the meeting schedule, the discussion on the first batch of young top talents in the national “Thousand Talents Plan” started on time at 1:00 p.m.
Because the meeting schedule was tight, everyone knew there wasn't much time to rest.
Just because the old leader was present, many people were worried about whether such a meeting arrangement was appropriate and whether the meeting time needed to be adjusted.
But before one o'clock in the afternoon, the old leader appeared in the conference room and happily chatted with Li Zhenbang about the country's "Ten Thousand Talents Plan".
The rejuvenation of a country lies in the cultivation of talents, especially young talents.
People at the level of senior leaders understand this truth even more deeply.
So, before other people arrived, he did some ideological work for Li Zhenbang.
Ask him to be more open-minded and be bolder in recommending talents.
Li Zhenbang was slightly stunned when he heard this, but then he understood what the old leader meant and confirmed his guess.
Li Zhenbang immediately assured his old leader that he would absolutely follow the country's basic national policy.
The old leader looked at Li Zhenbang meaningfully and stopped talking.
As time passed one o'clock, all participants arrived and the meeting started on time.
There was only one main agenda item in the afternoon, which was to finalize the candidates for the remaining first batch of young top talents in the national "Thousand Talents Plan" this year.
"Regarding the selection of young top talents, unlike the previous two talent programs, we need to look at this program from a more profound perspective. Therefore, I hope everyone can actively express their opinions and discuss more, so that true knowledge can be obtained."
At the beginning of the meeting, the old leader spoke directly.
After hearing the old leader's words, everyone except Li Zhenbang had a look of surprise on their faces.
Isn’t this different from the finalization of candidates for the first two talent programs?
But question marks remain, the meeting has already begun, and we can only wait and see what happens.
The old leader signaled to Li Zhenbang that he could start.
Li Zhenbang was at the meeting, looking at the candidate information, and said, "The first one is Zhou Xin. Deputy Director of the Jiangcheng Institute of Physics and Mathematics of Huaguo."
"The ultra-sensitive magnetic resonance research team led by Zhou Xin is the only research group in China that conducts hyperpolarized gas lung MRI imaging. He led the team through five years of research and obtained the first hyperpolarized hernia-129 human lung magnetic resonance image in my country this year."
"It can detect diseases at an early stage and comprehensively evaluate the function of the lungs. This technology is expected to be put into clinical use in the next three to five years."
"Based on the preliminary screening opinions, I propose that Comrade Zhou Xin be placed first among the first batch of 60 young top talents. What do you think?"
As soon as Li Zhenbang finished speaking, the conference room began to be filled with speeches, which were much more lively than the previous meeting discussions.
However, although the project leaders of each department spoke more, there was not much difference in overall opinions.
First, this is a breakthrough in basic scientific research.
Second, this is a technology that benefits people.
For a long time, domestic MRI imaging technology has lagged behind the international level.
The MRI equipment used in large domestic tertiary hospitals is basically imported.
So, there is nothing wrong with this nomination.
Seeing that the old leader did not express any different opinions, the quota was confirmed.
The second person proposed by Li Zhenbang was Yan Ning, the youngest professor and doctoral supervisor at Shuimu University.
In February this year, Yan Ning won the 2015 "Young Scientist Award" from the International Protein Society for his outstanding contributions in the field of structural biology of transmembrane substance transport.
In October this year, she won the Sackler International Biophysics Prize.
Her research results have made possible the long-cherished idea of "starving cancer cells to death."
The discussion about Li Zhenbang’s second nomination was louder than the first one.
The focus is mainly on Yan Ning's age and qualifications.
However, with the old leader's final decision, all the disputes disappeared.
“Age and experience are just a matter of time. Excellent scientists must be given sufficient attention!”
The old leader made the decision, and the second candidate was also confirmed.
The heads of the departments that caused the controversy originally thought that there were only a few young professors and not many who could be nominated, so there should be fewer subsequent disputes.
As a result, Li Zhenbang's third nomination instantly caused an uproar in the conference room.
"The third one is Chen Zhou. He is a sophomore student in the Department of Mathematics and Physics at Yenching University."
"In September this year, Chen Zhou completed the proof of the hailstone conjecture. In November this year, he was invited to attend the MIT mathematics academic conference, where he completed the proof of the Cramer conjecture and proposed the distribution deconstruction method."
"This method is generally considered by the mathematical community to be the third most important method in the field of number theory, alongside the sieve method and the circle method. It is also called 'an opportunity to analyze number theory' by many internationally renowned mathematicians."
"Student Chen Zhou was controversial during the initial screening. But I still proposed that he be placed third among the first batch of 60 young top talents."
Tian Ligeng was stunned when he saw Li Zhenbang finishing his nomination.
Originally according to the opinions discussed before the meeting, Chen Zhou was to be the last person to be discussed.
Unexpectedly, Li Zhenbang "made the decision on his own" and moved Chen Zhou's name to the top three.
This is really courageous.
But after changing his mind, Tian Ligeng subconsciously turned his gaze to the old leader who was watching the discussion with an expressionless face.
