School of Mathematics, Physics and Statistics; Jing Zhou

On the afternoon of October 28, the School of Mathematics, Physics and Statistics held a "Targeted Guidance Session for 2026 National Natural Science Foundation of China Applications". The event featured two experienced review experts—Professor Yincai Tang from East China Normal University and Professor Yuming Qin from Donghua University Vice Dean Jianbao Wu presided over the meeting, which was attended by school leaders, young faculty members, and teachers preparing to apply for general program projects.

Young faculty member Wei Wei presented her project proposal, systematically elaborating on its background in spectral extremal theory, core conjectures, innovative spectral moment methods, and expected breakthroughs. Jianbao Wu reported on the application materials for a general program project, focusing on key technologies for in situ interfacial characterization and multiscale simulation, and proposed a novel "structure–performance" coupling model. The two experts reviewed the proposals page by page, offering over 20 specific suggestions for improvement in areas such as "elevating the scientific question, differentiating the presentation of innovations, ensuring feasibility of technical approaches, and enhancing the appeal of the abstract and title." They also demonstrated how to restructure the logical framework from a reviewer’s perspective.

The experts and faculty engaged in lively discussions on pain points such as "selecting interdisciplinary codes, balancing preliminary groundwork with feasibility, and listing international collaborators." The experts provided in-depth answers with case studies, fostering an enthusiastic atmosphere. The meeting also introduced the school’s "2026 Grant Application Timeline," ensuring a closed-loop management process of "guidance, revision, and follow-up."

This session not only facilitated an "iterative upgrade" of the two proposals but also provided all participating faculty with an immersive training experience in grant writing. The school will continue to implement a dual-driven strategy of "inviting external experts and cultivating internal mentors," striving for new breakthroughs in the number and funding rate of projects approved in the 2026 National Natural Science Foundation cycle.