They’re all reborn, what’s wrong with being a little more almighty?

Chapter 206 Bringing Capital into the Group
"You are Reporter Zhu! Welcome! Xiao Zhang, please pour tea for Reporter Zhu!"

With an enthusiastic face, Meng Heming asked the reporter in front of him to sit down, and then said: "Reporter Zhu, when I heard that you came to our Department of Biology for an interview, I immediately put down the work at hand and rushed over. Do you have anything to ask? Just ask, as long as it doesn’t involve experimental secrets, I will definitely tell you everything!”

Reporter Zhu on the opposite side was a little hesitant. The topic of his interview today was not very friendly to Tsinghua University. He thought he would encounter all kinds of excuses, but he didn't expect them to be so enthusiastic.

"Director Meng, let's get started." Reporter Zhu took out the recording pen and put it on the table: "Do you mind if I record?"

"I don't mind. Even if it's recorded, your media has the right to know. As long as it's reported truthfully, it'll be fine." Meng Heming replied with a smile.

"You can rest assured that we are also a regular media under the radio and television system, and we will definitely report it truthfully and not take it out of context."

Reporter Zhu cleared his throat and said: "There was a report in the newspaper recently, which caused many media reprints and extensive discussions. The report was called "Why We Can't Retain Talents". I don't know if you have read it. Has this been reported?”

"I've seen it. We who do scientific research don't just rush into the laboratory and ignore what's going on outside the window. I pay attention to current news and hot social topics every day."

Meng Heming nodded and continued: "In recent years, the phenomenon of brain drain in our country has attracted widespread attention from all walks of life. Many top talents choose to study abroad or work overseas, causing the domestic talent structure to face severe challenges...

I think the limitations of the education system are one of the factors leading to brain drain. China’s education system places too much emphasis on exam-oriented education. Of course, we have a population of more than one billion. Given the current national conditions, exam-oriented education is still a relatively fair system for selecting talents...

Finally, Meng Heming finished his long speech, then picked up the teacup, took a sip, and moistened his throat.

In addition, insufficient scientific research environment is also an important reason for brain drain. Although our country has been increasing investment in scientific research in recent years, there are still certain problems with the efficiency of the use of scientific research funds and the scientific research evaluation system...

You are not a scholar in this field, so you may not know the importance of these two scientific research results. Let me introduce them to you. Let’s talk about genetic scissors first..."

Meng Heming took a breath and beeped for more than half an hour, which made Reporter Zhu look depressed.

Reporter Zhu's expression became increasingly impatient. He tried to interrupt Meng Heming several times, but never had the chance.

Meng Heming began to talk eloquently and expressed his views on the brain drain, which sounded reasonable.

"As for Zhang Wei, he is indeed a rare genius in a century. It is no exaggeration to say that all the professors in our Department of Biology combined may not be as good as him alone.

There is another point, which is actually quite important, but is easily overlooked, and that is the consideration of quality of life by talents. It is natural for people to have better material living conditions. In terms of materials, there is indeed a certain gap between China and developed countries. This is an objective fact and we have to admit it..."

Meng Heming is a university professor, and his special skill is to give lectures to students! It would be easy for him to talk about the topic for forty minutes in a class.

You don’t know that this IPS cell is not his first major scientific research breakthrough. Previously, when he was at Tsinghua University, he also developed two scientific research results: genetic scissors and nucleoside modification.

The brain drain mentioned before is not Meng Heming's major. He can beep for most of the day. Now when it comes to biology, it is Meng Heming's professional specialty. He talks about it endlessly, which is not uncommon.

"You are talking about IPS cells, right? There is such a thing! This IPS cells are indeed an extremely important scientific research breakthrough. If this research continues to develop, it is not an exaggeration for humans to overcome all diseases and live to 200 years old. "

Reporter Zhu took a long sigh and said helplessly: "Director Meng, your views on brain drain are profound and simple, your insights are unique and insightful, and I am deeply inspired.

But the main content of the report I mentioned, "Why We Can't Retain Talents," is that your school failed to retain an outstanding scholar named Zhang Wei, which caused him to go to the United States. It is said that this Professor Zhang Wei was originally from the biology department of your school. "

"Speaking of Zhang Wei going to the United States, I also feel very sorry, but we really can't blame Tsinghua University for this matter."

"You mean Zhang Wei, yes, he is from our biology department." Meng Heming readily admitted.

"It was reported a few days ago that Professor Zhang Wei has developed a major result in the United States, which can treat almost all diseases and allow humans to live to 200 years old?"

"Then such top scientists did not stay at Tsingta University, but went to the United States. What do you think of this problem?" Reporter Zhu asked immediately.

Finally, Meng Heming picked up the teacup again and began to moisten his throat. Reporter Zhu, who had just enjoyed the ordeal, immediately asked: "Professor Meng, since Professor Zhang Wei is so outstanding, why did he not stay at Tsing University instead of going to Tsinghua University?" The United States? Hasn’t Tsinghua University found a way to keep such outstanding talents in the country and contribute to the development of the motherland? "

Those who work as reporters and those who study journalism are basically liberal arts students. If they were really interested in biology, they would have studied science long ago. If you ask a liberal arts student to listen to a half-hour biology class or advanced molecular biology, it will be a torture.

If Meng Heming really opened up about a big topic like brain drain, he could be buzzing all day long.

Meng Heming felt that he was almost done with the battle, and it was time to get to the main topic of the day.

So he continued: "Actually, the IPS cell research project should have been done at Tsinghua University, and the research results should have stayed at Tsinghua University. However, we encountered some obstacles in the process of applying for funds. Funding applications for the project have been rejected by superiors many times.”

As Meng Heming spoke, he took out a document that he had prepared a long time ago and introduced it; "This is the record of our application for project funds from our superiors and their rejection.

Including the time when we applied for funding, the time when we inquired about the progress, the time when our superiors rejected it, the time when we applied again, and the time when we were rejected again, we all kept records, and it’s all there.

If you are a little slower in scientific research, if someone else has done it first, then your hard work will be in vain! Zhang Wei also waited for a long time, but his superiors refused to approve the funds. It is difficult for a clever woman to make a meal without rice. Without money, there is no way to do scientific research!
At this time, Princeton University in the United States happened to be willing to grant funding to Zhang Wei, so he went directly to the United States. To tell you the truth, which university in the world is not competing for this kind of top talent. We don’t have funds for him to conduct research, so we can’t delay him!
Of course, we cannot blame the higher-level departments for being too slow in approving funds. After all, there are systems and procedures for approving funds. The higher-level departments strictly abide by the rules and regulations and the funding approval process. We should understand this! "

Meng Heming threw the pot away and went back to add something.

"Director Meng, can I take a photo of what's recorded here?" Reporter Zhu asked.

"This is just a record of our daily work. It does not involve scientific research secrets. You can take pictures if you want. We have to respect the media's right to know!" Meng Heming replied with a smile.

Reporter Zhu immediately took out his camera and pressed the shutter on the document.

……

At the same time, Principal Gu was not idle either. At this time, he was in a reception room, waiting to be received by the leader.

The secretary walked into the reception room in small steps and said to Principal Gu: "Principal Gu, it's your turn. The leader is busy today and you only have twenty minutes."

"Okay!" Principal Gu stood up and followed the secretary to the leadership office.

When he arrived outside, Principal Gu waited for another five minutes. He waited until the last person came before he went in.

"Leader, I'm here to review your situation today." Principal Gu said straight to the point.

Upon hearing the initiative to "review", the leader immediately became interested. "Not long ago, a major scientific research result was announced in the field of biological sciences, called induced pluripotent stem cells, whose English name is abbreviated as IPS cells. This type of cells can be used as a substitute for embryonic stem cells and will make a revolutionary contribution to medical research. !”

Principal Gu gave a general introduction to IPS cells.

"I have seen public opinion collection in this area before. But after listening to your introduction, I have a better understanding of this achievement."

President Gu continued: "Actually, this result should have belonged to our Tsinghua University. The scholar who studied this result, Zhang Wei, is also from our Tsing University. However, due to some special reasons, he went to the United States. As a result, this scientific research result, It's cheaper for Americans.

It is our fault at Tsinghua University to fail to keep such important scientific research results in China. Although this is caused by some special reasons, we at Tsinghua University still have to bear the responsibility, so I have to make a self-examination. I have betrayed the trust of the country! "

Principal Gu mentioned "special reasons" twice in a row, making it clear that he wanted to mention this matter. The other party also asked very interestingly: "What is the special reason you mentioned?"

"It's funding! The funding we applied for has never been approved! Princeton University in the United States is willing to provide scientific research funding, so why don't they just pass by!"

The other party immediately understood that Principal Gu was not here to review, but to complain!

Next, Principal Gu elaborated on the issue of being stuck with scientific research funds.

As the other party listened, his face gradually turned livid.

It's not that he doesn't know that there are people who use the power to allocate funds to get some benefits, but when the water is clear, there will be no fish. This kind of thing usually just turns a blind eye.

But if this damages the interests of the country, then it exceeds the bottom line!
……

After Principal Gu finished his report, he walked out of the office. He took out his mobile phone, which showed a missed call from Meng Heming. Principal Gu immediately called back.

"Principal, according to what you said, I have already reported the matter to reporters." Meng Heming said.

"I have also reported it to the leader here. Although the leader did not express his position on the spot, judging from his appearance, he must be very unhappy."

"Principal, although we can consider this a two-pronged approach, I always feel that this is of no use!"

"There are some things that are not worth three or two if they are not weighed, but they cannot be beaten even if they are weighed a thousand pounds!" Principal Gu paused, then continued: "We are going to put the matter on the scale now!"

……

After the college entrance examination, Zhang Wei returned to Princeton University.

As soon as he returned to Princeton University, Professor Shi called Zhang Wei into his office.

"You're finally back!" Professor Shi said with an impatient expression.

Zhang Wei thought it was Sam, the old unlucky guy, who was causing trouble again, so he said, "After I got off the plane, I talked to Sam on the phone. He said everything went well in the laboratory. Could it be that I got here from the airport? Something happened?"

"Sam, it's okay. I'm looking for you for other reasons. There are several people who want to participate in the follow-up research on IPS cells and are waiting for your decision! Here are their resumes."

Professor Shi said, took a folder and handed it to Zhang Wei.

"Before you left, didn't you ask me for someone? You also need an assistant professor. Now there are not only assistant professors who want to participate in this project, but also formal professors!" Professor Shi continued.

"Brother, didn't you say before that when you reach the position of assistant professor, you have projects on hand and don't have time to come? Why do so many people appear all of a sudden?" Zhang Wei asked, pointing to the folder.

"Two reasons. One is because everyone has seen the potential of IPS cells. Of course, they want to get involved in such a potential project. They can also be the first to benefit from the subsequent research and development results." Professor Shi explained.

Zhang Wei nodded, the research on IPS cells is still in its early stages, and there is great potential to be explored in subsequent research. This is equivalent to a large oil field that has just been explored. There are many places where drilling can be done. Come early and reap the benefits.

"What's the second reason?" Zhang Wei continued to ask.

"The second reason is that summer vacation is here and students are on vacation. Many professors do not need to take on teaching tasks and have more time to devote to scientific research.

Your research on IPS cells is currently the most watched project in molecular biology. Professors who have extra time must want to study with you. "

Those who engage in scientific research are always learning. Even if they are formal professors, they are not being modest when they say they are going to study with Zhang Wei, but they are really going to learn the most cutting-edge biological science and technology.

"Okay, let me see who's there." Zhang Wei opened the folder and started looking at the resumes inside.

The first person is a formal professor, and he is from Northwestern University.

"Isn't this person from Princeton, Professor Stapp from Northwestern University? Can people from other universities come too?" Zhang Wei asked.

"You may not know Professor Stapp of Northwestern University. He is a famous scholar in the field of neurons. In recent years, he has been studying the use of neuron therapy to treat Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. He is the top neuroscientist in the United States. Internal Medicine Specialist.”

"He must be a very powerful doctor, right? I heard that doctors in the United States make quite a lot of money."

"Neurosurgery involves the brain, so it's not just ordinary money-making. The key is that Professor Stapp is very famous. He gets more scientific research funding every year than I do!"

"So powerful?" Zhang Wei took a breath of air.

Professor Shi’s scientific research funding of 800 million to 1000 million US dollars a year is already considered to be a lot. This Stapp actually has more scientific research funds than Professor Shi. This also shows that Stapp’s academic level is very high and he is famous. It's also huge.

"In the United States, it is easier to get funding for research related to disease treatment, not to mention that it is neurology! It is a subject related to the brain.

Take Alzheimer's disease for example. There are so many patients around the world, and many of them are wealthy people. How much money can be made if Alzheimer's disease can be overcome!
Otherwise, what should I say? It is your sister-in-law who makes the money to support our family! Those of us who are engaged in biological research are just a bunch of paupers compared to those of them who are engaged in medical research! "

Professor Shi paused for a moment, and then continued: "This Stapp also wants to participate in the research of IPS cells, and it's not for nothing. He also brought a million US dollars in scientific research funds. So I strongly recommend that you accept it. His joining.”

"I've heard that there are people who bring money to join the team when acting, and there are people who bring money to join the team when doing scientific research! What Americans do is just fancy!" Zhang Wei nodded, and then said: "For this one million US dollars, this person I definitely want it!”

(End of this chapter)