高校教师，集体“倒贴做科研”？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by researchers in securing funding from the National Natural Science Foundation (NSFC) in China, highlighting the increasing competition and the financial burden of research projects that often exceed the funding received [1][2][3]. Funding Challenges - The NSFC funding application process has become highly competitive, with the total number of applications exceeding 430,000 for 2025, leading to a decline in funding rates, particularly for youth and general projects [2][3]. - The funding amount for youth projects is typically around 300,000 yuan, while the costs for necessary publications and experiments can exceed this amount, resulting in a situation where researchers face financial losses [4][5]. Financial Burden and Academic Integrity - Many researchers find themselves in a position where the costs of experiments and publications far exceed the funding received, leading to a phenomenon where the investment is significantly higher than the returns [5]. - The pressure to secure funding has led some researchers to engage in unethical practices, as they struggle to cover their expenses with limited funding [5]. Shift to Horizontal Projects - As NSFC funding becomes harder to obtain, horizontal projects (commercial collaborations) have emerged as an alternative for researchers, with some institutions allowing these projects to substitute for national-level project evaluations [6][9]. - However, the nature of horizontal projects often conflicts with academic research goals, as they prioritize client needs over innovation, leading to a shift in researchers' roles from academics to service providers [8][9]. Evaluation System and Funding Allocation - The increasing financial requirements for horizontal projects have created a competitive environment where funding capabilities are prioritized over academic research skills [9][11]. - The NSFC budget for 2025 has increased by 3.143 billion yuan, marking the highest growth in five years, but the distribution of these funds remains critical for researchers [12][13]. Need for Systemic Reform - The article calls for a re-evaluation of the academic evaluation system to better accommodate different types of research, suggesting that funding allocation should be optimized to reflect actual research costs [12][14]. - It emphasizes the need for a more humane and scientifically sound evaluation system to allow researchers to focus on genuine academic pursuits rather than merely seeking funding [14].