Core Viewpoint - The "Science Exploration Award," funded by Tencent, is one of the highest monetary awards for young scientific talent in China, providing 300 million yuan over five years to each of the 50 awardees, with a notable increase in younger recipients this year [1][6][9]. Group 1: Award Overview - The "Science Exploration Award" has funded 347 scientists over seven years, with each awardee receiving a total of 300 million yuan over five years [5][9]. - This year's awardees include 13 young scientists and 6 recipients from the "90s generation," reflecting a focus on nurturing younger talent [6][8]. - The award aims to support original research in cutting-edge fields, aligning with national scientific needs [8]. Group 2: Funding Landscape - China's basic research funding is projected to reach 249.7 billion yuan in 2024, a 70% increase from 2020, but is primarily sourced from government funding, with corporate and social contributions being relatively low [3][11][13]. - Various private awards, such as the "Future Science Prize" and "Damo Academy Orange Prize," have been established by entrepreneurs to support scientific research, indicating a growing trend of private sector involvement in basic research funding [3][13][14]. - The introduction of tax incentives for corporate contributions to basic research aims to encourage more private investment in this area [14][15]. Group 3: Research Focus and Challenges - Awardees' research spans diverse fields, including artificial retinal light sensitivity repair and the search for life indicators in Martian rocks, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches in basic research [8][9]. - Young scientists face challenges in pursuing original research due to the inherent uncertainties and long return cycles associated with basic research [8][9]. - The "Science Exploration Award" aims to provide a supportive environment for young researchers, allowing them to focus on innovative projects without the pressure of immediate commercial returns [8][9].
6位90后,获腾讯奖励300万元