Core Insights - The article highlights the innovative practices in scientific research led by renowned biologist and academician Shi Yigong, emphasizing his role in establishing Westlake University and the New Cornerstone Researcher Program, which aims to foster original research in China [1][2][3] Group 1: New Cornerstone Researcher Program - The New Cornerstone Researcher Program is one of the largest philanthropic projects in China supporting basic research, with funding categories for experimental and theoretical research, providing up to 25 million yuan (approximately 3.5 million USD) for experimental researchers over five years [2][3] - Shi Yigong emphasizes that university administrators are ineligible to apply for the program to ensure that the funding is directed towards researchers who can dedicate their time to scientific exploration [2][6] - The program has implemented a unique evaluation mechanism involving international peer review to maintain high scientific standards and avoid biases, with 489 instances of conflict of interest avoidance reported during the evaluation process [6] Group 2: Research Environment and Philosophy - The program aims to create a research environment free from the pressures of publication metrics, allowing researchers to focus on groundbreaking discoveries rather than quantity of output [3][4][5] - Shi Yigong advocates for a shift in the academic culture, arguing that traditional metrics like publication counts hinder innovation and that the focus should be on impactful scientific contributions [3][4] - The average age of selected researchers in the latest round of the program is 45, indicating a trend towards younger scientists, with a notable number of candidates applying independently rather than through institutions [7]

Group 1 - The core idea of the news is the announcement of the 35 outstanding scientists selected for the New Cornerstone Researcher Program, which aims to promote fundamental research in China through significant funding and support for innovative scientific exploration [1][4][5]. - The New Cornerstone Researcher Program focuses on two main fields: Mathematics and Material Science, and Biological and Medical Science, encouraging interdisciplinary research [4][5]. - The funding for the program is substantial, with experimental researchers receiving 25 million RMB (approximately 3.5 million USD) and theoretical researchers receiving 15 million RMB (approximately 2.1 million USD) over a five-year period [4]. Group 2 - The selection process for the program involved a unique evaluation method, with initial reviews conducted entirely by overseas experts, followed by a final review with both domestic and international judges [5]. - The program emphasizes selecting individuals rather than specific projects, acknowledging the high risks and long timelines associated with original scientific exploration [5][6]. - The initiative is backed by Tencent, which has committed 10 billion RMB (approximately 1.4 billion USD) over ten years to support creative scientists in conducting exploratory and high-risk fundamental research [6]. Group 3 - The program aims to foster a culture of innovation among young scientists, encouraging them to pursue significant scientific questions and achieve groundbreaking results [6][9]. - The participating academicians express a strong desire to contribute to the advancement of China's scientific landscape, emphasizing the importance of original research over merely publishing articles [7][9]. - There is an expectation that the New Cornerstone Researchers will lead to significant breakthroughs in various scientific fields, ultimately enhancing China's position in global scientific research [8][9].

Group 1 - The "New Cornerstone Researcher Project" announced its third round of funding, featuring 35 outstanding scientists, with an average age of 45, which is lower than the 55-year threshold and the previous average of 47 years [1] - This round includes a record number of young scientists, with 9 individuals under 40 for males and under 43 for females, making up over a quarter of the total [1] - The project received 669 applications this year, a 15% increase from the previous round, primarily driven by young scientists, with 131 young applicants, an increase of 77 from the last round [1] Group 2 - The project focuses on two main fields: Mathematics and Material Science, and Biological and Medical Science, encouraging interdisciplinary research [2] - Funding categories are divided into experimental and theoretical types, with a five-year support period; experimental funding is 25 million RMB per person, while theoretical funding is 15 million RMB per person [2] - The project aims to select researchers based on their understanding and pursuit of scientific questions rather than their background, emphasizing the importance of original contributions to science [2][3] Group 3 - The project is designed to support high-risk, long-term scientific exploration, allowing researchers to focus on cutting-edge topics and achieve groundbreaking work [3] - Tencent has committed 10 billion RMB over 10 years to support innovative scientists in conducting exploratory and high-risk basic research [3] - To date, a total of 139 distinguished scientists have been recognized as New Cornerstone Researchers across three rounds [3]

Core Viewpoint - Tencent's "New Cornerstone Researcher Project" has announced the funding of 35 outstanding scientists, emphasizing support for original innovative research without traditional assessment metrics [1] Group 1: Project Overview - The project operates under the "three no" principles: no assessment, no counting papers, and no time constraints, allowing scientists to focus on groundbreaking research [1] - Since its launch in 2022, the project has funded a total of 139 scientists, distinguishing itself by selecting individuals rather than projects [1] Group 2: Funding Details - Experimental researchers receive an annual funding of 5 million yuan, totaling 25 million yuan over five years; theoretical researchers receive 3 million yuan annually, amounting to 15 million yuan over the same period [1] - Tencent plans to invest 10 billion yuan over the next decade to support this initiative, aiming to drive significant breakthroughs in basic research in China [1] Group 3: Demographics of Selected Scientists - The average age of the selected scientists is 45, marking the lowest average age since the project's inception [1] - Among the 35 scientists, 9 are young scientists (men under 40 and women under 43), accounting for over 26% of the total; the youngest researcher was only 35 years old at the time of application [1] Group 4: Research Fields - The selected scientists cover two main fields: mathematics and material sciences (19 individuals) and biological and medical sciences (16 individuals) [1] - Within the mathematics and material sciences category, there are 8 physicists, 8 chemists, and 3 mathematicians and theoretical computer scientists; the biological and medical sciences category includes 10 biologists and 6 medical scientists [1]

Core Points - The "New Cornerstone Researcher Program" is open for applications starting April 15, 2025, with a funding cap of 35 researchers [1][2] - Tencent has committed 10 billion RMB over 10 years to support outstanding scientists in fundamental research [1] - The program encourages interdisciplinary research in mathematics, material science, biology, and medical science [1] Application Details - Applications can be submitted from April 15 to June 15, 2025, through the program's official website [1] - Eligibility criteria include being under 55 years old, having at least 5 years of experience as a doctoral supervisor, and being engaged in frontline research [2] - Applicants can only choose one of the two funding programs offered by the New Cornerstone Science Foundation in a given year [2] Funding Structure - Funding for experimental research is capped at 5 million RMB per person per year, while theoretical research funding is capped at 3 million RMB per person per year [1] - The funding is available for a maximum of 5 years, with the possibility of renewal based on evaluation [1] Program Characteristics - The program emphasizes "selecting people, not projects" and aims to provide long-term support for original research [2] - The program will maintain a biennial application cycle, aiming to support 200 to 300 outstanding scientists over the next 10 years [2] - Six funding spots are specifically allocated for young scientists, with age limits set at under 40 for men and under 43 for women [2]

编辑 韦博雅 这是一项聚焦原始创新、鼓励自由探索、公益属性的新型基础研究资助项目。2022年，腾讯公司宣布10 年内出资100亿元人民币，长期稳定地支持一批杰出科学家潜心基础研究、实现"从0到1"的原始创新。 而今年也是"新基石研究员项目"两年后再次开放申报。在启动申报的同时，项目也公布了本期申报方 式、申报条件等内容。 校对 杨利 在满足宁缺毋滥的评审原则下，本年度"新基石研究员项目"计划资助不超过35人。即日起至6月15日， 申报人可通过项目官网（https://www.newcornerstone.org.cn）进行申报。资助名单预计将于今年第四季 度公布。 新京报贝壳财经讯（记者罗亦丹）4月15日起，2025年度"新基石研究员项目"开放申报。 "原创性基础研究是科技创新这座摩天大楼的隐形地基，也是社会发展与文明前进的关键变量。长期稳 定支持原创，是新基石项目的核心资助理念。"中国科学院院士、西湖大学校长、"新基石研究员项 目"科学委员会主席施一公向心怀热忱与勇气的科学家发出邀请："我们期待新一期申报人，在科学认知 的最前沿引领世界，展示自己的梦想、创造性与壮志雄心。你准备好了吗？" 据介绍，"新基石研 ...