CHAPTER 433: CHAPTER 144: FOCUS ON REPORTING KEY RESEARCH PROJECTS! _3

However, if it is only piloted in eight universities, there’s nothing particularly wrong with that.

After patiently listening to Tian Yanzhen’s explanation, Yuan Zhengxin said, "In this case, we’ll submit it as a joint project between Huaqing and Yanbei University’s two major Math Research Centers."

The project leader is still Qiao Yu. You will assist Qiao Yu in completing the project proposal quickly. In addition to applying for the Natural Science Foundation, I think this project should be submitted for the national key research and development plan."

Tian Yanzhen smiled. He had specifically invited Yuan Zhengxin over for this purpose.

For other undergraduates, applying for a Natural Science Foundation project might be difficult.

But for Qiao Yu, it’s actually not that challenging. Not to mention, he is Qiao Yu’s mentor.

Even if he weren’t Qiao Yu’s mentor, simply the fact that Qiao Yu delivered a sixty-minute presentation at the World Algebraic Geometry Conference would leave an impression on the Natural Science Foundation’s review committee members.

However, getting into the national key research and development plan is not so straightforward. Ultimately, it’s because Qiao Yu is too young.

A sixteen-year-old leading a key research and development project will undoubtedly stir significant controversy.

It’s the same old saying: where there are people, there is Jianghu. Who can guarantee that Qiao Yu will be able to complete this framework?

People only need to raise some reasonable doubts, or even argue that Qiao Yu is still young and shouldn’t rush, to stall the matter.

Relying solely on himself or Yanbei University to push this matter through would be difficult. But if Huaqing, represented by Elder Yuan, joins in, the situation changes entirely.

"You are right, sir. I was thinking the same. No matter what, we must submit it. After all, if this project succeeds, it will facilitate analysis, optimization, strategy, and control of various complex systems.

Yanbei University will establish a dedicated team to lead this effort, and at that time, we will also need your support and advocacy. Of course, it will still be under the banner of joint research by both parties."

Tian Yanzhen concurred with Yuan Zhengxin’s statements.

Yuan Zhengxin glanced at Tian Yanzhen, but thinking of Qiao Yu’s current enrollment at Yanbei University, he held back his words.

However, he added, "That’s fine, but since it’s joint research, the personnel from Huaqing involved in this project should be roughly equivalent to those from Yanbei."

Tian Yanzhen nodded and added, "I think Qiao Yu would consider that as well. Furthermore, since he is the proposer and leader of the project, why not let him decide? We can each provide him with a list, and let him choose, how about that?"

Yuan Zhengxin nodded, acknowledging that at least this proposal from Tian Yanzhen was unselfish. Even if there was some self-interest, it was for Qiao Yu, and he could accept that.

Not to mention that Qiao Yu always calls him grandpa; considering that Qiao Xi is his student, Qiao Yu likely wouldn’t deliberately exclude the names proposed by Huaqing.

"Ahem..." Zhang Yuantang finally couldn’t hold back any longer, coughing lightly twice, which successfully caught the two’s attention.

"Actually, I have a proposition. Why don’t I go back and facilitate this collaboration? I think the University of Santa Barbara might also be interested in participating in this basic mathematics research.

I’m saying that if it succeeds, it could elevate the importance of this basic mathematics project. International cooperation could enhance this research."

Tian Yanzhen and Yuan Zhengxin exchanged a glance; then Tian Yanzhen pondered for a moment before sincerely replying, "Professor Zhang, to be honest, I really hope to make this cooperation happen.

But at this time, I think you are oversimplifying things. The problem likely won’t be on our side, but on yours."

This response left Zhang Yuantang momentarily at a loss for words, even a bit dejected.

Because what Tian Yanzhen said was actually true. It’s not that cooperation is impossible now, especially in basic mathematics, where channels for exchange still exist.

But real cooperation presents many inspection items, which are very meticulous and could even potentially trouble the school.

Therefore, many schools often adopt a ’less is more’ approach to avoid complications.

Who could have thought that after decades of shouting about global integration, the world would begin to close off more and more, even affecting basic academic research?

For those dedicated to academic pursuits, this is certainly abnormal. But unfortunately, they can’t change anything.

However, Tian Yanzhen shifted his tone and said, "But I have a suggestion. If you are indeed interested in this project, why not collaborate in a personal capacity?"

While Zhang Yuantang was still thinking, Yuan Zhengxin suddenly asked, "By the way, isn’t the Natural Science Foundation review board meeting scheduled for next Tuesday?"

"Yes, Elder Yuan," replied Tian Yanzhen.

"I’ll go this time," Yuan Zhengxin immediately stated.

Tian Yanzhen nodded.

The elder is one of the big names on the expert team of the review committee. He used to be reluctant to attend. If he wants to participate, there will undoubtedly be a place for him.

"By the way, I’ll be taking the child’s manuscript," Yuan Zhengxin stated with confidence.

The elder had meticulously organized the documents Qiao Yu had handwritten yesterday and the notes from today’s presentation.

"Um, this..."

"You want him to write another copy," Yuan Zhengxin said decisively.

Tian Yanzhen remained silent.

...

Dinner was at Yanbei University.

Qiao Yu seemed somewhat downcast.