Core Insights - The third phase of the New Cornerstone Researcher Program has announced a total of 35 researchers, with 19 in mathematics and material sciences and 16 in biological and medical sciences [1] - The program has allocated 6 spots specifically for young scientists, with an average age of 45, significantly lower than the 55-year threshold and the previous average of 47 [1] - The program is operated by the New Cornerstone Science Foundation and focuses on original innovation and encourages free exploration in basic research [1] Funding Details - The funding categories are divided into experimental and theoretical types, with a funding period of 5 years [1] - Each experimental researcher receives 25 million yuan, while theoretical researchers receive 15 million yuan, with the possibility of applying for extended funding after the initial period [1] Program Characteristics - The program features a distinctive "selecting people, not projects" approach, meaning there are no specific research tasks set for the researchers, and there is no assessment of the number of papers produced or deadlines for results [1] - To date, there have been three phases of the program, with a total of 139 scientists becoming New Cornerstone Researchers [1] - The program will maintain a biennial open frequency and aims to support 200 to 300 outstanding scientists over a stable 10-year period [1]

Group 1 - The 2025 Frontier Science Innovation Conference was held in Changsha, Hunan, focusing on the "Top 100 Challenges Facing Humanity" and inviting global scientists to address key issues for sustainable development [1][3] - The problem solicitation will continue until November 20, 2025, with a transparent expert review process leading to global publication and collaboration [3] - The conference adopted a new roundtable format to facilitate deep exploration and multi-dimensional collaboration among scientists, aiming to transform research outcomes into practical applications [3][4] Group 2 - The conference featured 25 thematic discussions based on 200 frontier scientific questions, covering fields such as innovative materials, cosmic laboratories, ecological agriculture, brain-like intelligence, climate change and health, and synthetic biology [3][4] - Notable speakers included academic leaders who emphasized the role of material innovation in societal progress and the revolutionary development of strategic industries in China [4] - The Innovation, the organizing body, is an international academic journal founded by young scientists, aiming to accelerate the transformation of quality research outcomes in Changsha and enhance the capacity of technology innovation platforms [5]