From top student in college to scientific research powerhouse

Chapter 80: That's not even a concept! Results transformation, win-win cooperation!
Professor Xu visited the Applied Electromagnetism Laboratory and later took a stroll around Jiangzhou University.

When it was almost time, the group got into their car and left.

They not only left, but also took two pieces of STN-01 material with them. One piece was about the size of a finger, which was the second material sample produced in the experiment.

The other piece of material was only the size of a fingernail, and it was said that it would be cut into more than a dozen pieces and distributed to laboratories that needed to conduct material property research.

Each laboratory gets a tiny bit, only millimeters wide.

This has already excited the accompanying experts.

Researchers in any materials science field would be interested in room-temperature superconducting materials, even if there is only a small amount of material, it is enough to conduct a lot of research.

Before leaving, Professor Xu also made a promise that the Ministry of Science and Technology would strongly support the Applied Electromagnetism Laboratory and their research and development projects.

In addition, it was emphasized that researchers who conduct research and development will not be treated unfairly.

Given Mr. Xu's level of expertise, his promises are still very valuable.

After Professor Xu left, Principal Shi Chengqian immediately announced that the school would provide the Applied Electromagnetism Laboratory with an additional two million yuan in funding.

Song Kaifeng, head of the Provincial Department of Science and Technology, also announced an additional 200 million yuan in funding.

The provincial science and technology department had previously allocated 4 million yuan, but the laboratory only spent a little over 1 million yuan on large-scale manufacturing, leaving more than 2 million yuan to go to the laboratory.

These additional funds, taken together and combined with the remaining funds in the laboratory, amount to approximately 1000 million yuan.

Zhu Bingkun did a quick calculation and immediately burst into laughter, unable to stop smiling.

The Applied Electromagnetism Laboratory is just a small municipal-level laboratory, but the metamaterials properties research project they applied for is already the largest project since the laboratory was established.

Previously, the lab's funding had never exceeded one million.

After the discovery of the 'Zhang phenomenon,' the university and the provincial science and technology department allocated special funds, and the laboratory's funding reached the 'million' level.

It has now exceeded ten million, which was something we never dared to imagine before.

That money is enough to rebuild the laboratory.

After returning to the office, Zhu Bingkun, Xue Kun, and Chen Shuai discussed the development of the laboratory.

"Now that the lab has sufficient funding, we still need to increase subsidies for researchers and doctoral students, and also give them an extra bonus based on their research contributions to the project!"

Xue Kun and Chen Shuai naturally had no objections; if the researchers' subsidies were increased, their subsidies would also be increased.

Of course, they also received a bonus.

Now that the lab has become wealthy, it's normal for everyone to receive some kind of perk.

Zhu Bingkun continued, "Also, we need to prepare to apply for projects."

"One is follow-up research on the Zhang phenomenon. We should have prepared for that, right? Once all the materials are ready, we can apply. Hopefully, it can be finalized before the end of the year."

"The second direction is metamaterials research and development. We need to apply for follow-up projects, or we can switch to other directions."

"As long as it's in the field of electromagnetic metamaterials, we should be able to get approval."

"You all get ready, let's discuss the direction again."

With significant research and development achievements in tinene, applications for projects in the field of electromagnetic metamaterials have been smooth sailing; the only difference lies in how much funding can be secured.

It depends on the specific details of the project you are applying for.

"Finally, we need to consider expanding the laboratory."

"By next year, once we have two projects worth millions or tens of millions of yuan, we will be severely short of research personnel."

"We still need to communicate with the school about this; we can't make the decision ourselves. We have to wait for news from the Ministry of Science and Technology..."

The laboratory is under the jurisdiction of the university, and the recruitment of researchers and postdoctoral fellows also requires the university's approval.

Furthermore, with the completion of such a significant project and the support of higher authorities, it is possible that a new laboratory could be established.

The current laboratory is still too small; it simply cannot accommodate any more researchers.

"In terms of recruiting, we need to do the first step, which is also the most important task," Zhu Bingkun said, which surprised Xue Kun and Chen Shuai.

The first step? The most important task?
what?
After Zhu Bingkun finished speaking, he smiled and looked at Zhang Minghao, saying, "Of course it's Zhang Minghao, our most talented researcher!"

He said he could only hold Zhang Minghao's hand.

Zhang Minghao was a little confused.

Zhu Bingkun continued, "I've had this idea for a while now. I want to make a special application for Zhang Minghao, give him researcher status, and have him directly affiliated with our lab."

Xue Kun's eyes lit up immediately. "That's it! This is a great idea!"

“A special application can indeed be made.”

Chen Shuai nodded in agreement, "There are precedents for this. Doctoral students who perform well can receive professorships before graduation."

"However, it requires an application and approval, and a guarantor is needed, but there shouldn't be any problems with Zhang Minghao's situation."

Zhang Minghao was somewhat surprised. He pointed to himself and asked, "Can I get researcher benefits without graduating?"

"So, it was a special application!"

Chen Shuai replied.

Xue Kun then asked seriously, "Zhang Minghao, have you decided where you're going after graduation? Are you going to stay in the lab?"

"I never even thought about it."

Zhang Minghao immediately shook his head.

Zhu Bingkun laughed and said, "No need to think about it. It'll be right here in the electromagnetics lab. You'll be doing your PhD here anyway, and you'll get an extra salary subsidy."

“Uh~~”

Zhang Minghao thought for a moment and nodded, "That works too."

After discussing this topic, Zhu Bingkun, Xue Kun, and Zhang Minghao turned their attention to the promise that Teacher Xu had made.

Zhu Bingkun pondered carefully and said, "Professor Xu said he wouldn't mistreat the lab or the researchers, and would provide us with a better environment to do research. Does he mean he's going to support us in building a new lab?"

"That should be the case, but there will definitely be no news in the short term."

Chen Shuai analyzed.

The decision to build a new laboratory cannot be made immediately.

Even with support from the Ministry of Science and Technology, or even direct funding, schools still need to research and design construction plans, laboratory development plans, and so on.

This involves many departments and a great deal of issues.

There are many benefits to building a new laboratory.

The new laboratory will definitely be upgraded in terms of level, at the very least to the provincial level. Zhu Bingkun will remain as the head of the laboratory, but his job title will be promoted.

The same applies to Xue Kun and Chen Shuai; they will be promoted in rank.

After finishing discussing the new laboratory, Zhu Bingkun suddenly whispered, "Do you think our technology might be taken away by our superiors?"

"It involves room-temperature superconductivity, which is of great significance..."

The group started thinking about it together.

The previous topic was about the interests of the laboratory, but now it has turned to personal interests.

Chen Shuai said nonchalantly, "Take it if the higher-ups need it."

"When we do scientific research, we can't just think about our own interests..."

"Blah blah blah~~~"

He spoke righteously and solemnly for quite a while.

Zhu Bingkun, Xue Kun, and even Zhang Minghao all looked at them like they were idiots.

They certainly value national interests, but they can't just take away the technology they've researched out of thin air, can they?

If the technology is taken away, someone will definitely benefit from it.

Materials manufacturing is not military technology, but it will definitely create commercial value in the future, which means that others are taking away the benefits that should belong to them in the name of the country.

Is Chen Shuai out of his mind?
"What kind of looks are those?" Chen Shuai also noticed the strange looks from the group.

He patted his chest and said, "That's just how I think."

After saying that, he added, "Of course, this matter is directly related to you, so it's normal for you to consider your own interests..."

"You two continue, I'll be going now."

He was about to leave after saying that.

Zhu Bingkun grabbed him and asked with a strange look on his face, "Chen Shuai, is that really what you think?"

"Of course!"

"Could you please return the ownership of one of your points to me?"

After Zhu Bingkun finished speaking, he shook his head and said, "He didn't even say he would return it to me. He just wanted to give that one point to the school or the laboratory."

"??"

Chen Shuai was stunned.

He looked left and right, pondering carefully for a long time, when suddenly it dawned on him. His eyes widened as he asked, "STN-01, could it be the research on that protocol?"

"Yup!"

Zhang Minghao, Zhu Bingkun, and Xue Kun all stared at him and nodded in unison. Chen Shuai immediately perked up!

He took a deep breath, processing the information he had just received. After a long while, he suddenly stood up straight and shouted, "This technology was developed by us, and the higher-ups can't just take it for free!"

"The higher authorities should also be reasonable!"

"Military technology is one thing, but this is materials technology. Shouldn't we at least pay a transfer fee?"

"Such an important material, although the cost is a bit high and the technology still needs improvement, but... room temperature superconductivity..."

He shouted to express his stance.

Tan Yanming walked in from outside, interrupting him, and said with a helpless expression, "Professor Chen, even if you are right, you don't need to shout like that, do you? Everyone in the hallway outside could hear it!"

"And don't worry, the higher-ups won't take away the technology out of thin air."

"It could be technology transfer, or it could take other forms, but there will definitely be money involved..."

"You can't miss that one spot!"

After he finished speaking, he added in a low voice, "No one else said a word among the sixty points, only you were the one who was impressive..."

"That's not what I meant," Chen Shuai hurriedly clarified.

Zhang Minghao, Zhu Bingkun, and Xue Kun all sat upright, appearing to be righteous and incorruptible, and disdaining to associate with the likes of Chen Shuai.

Tan Yanming sat down and said a few words about the issue, "There are many precedents in this regard."

"Other research institutions have also developed significant technologies, including materials technology, some of which involve military issues."

"The technology cannot be made public, and the results can only be uploaded internally. The higher-ups always send a team to conduct an evaluation first, and then discuss technology transfer."

"Think about it carefully. What kind of technology has been taken away directly by superiors? Who would still do innovative research?"

Tan Yanming stared at Chen Shuai as he spoke, as if he were speaking to Chen Shuai.

Zhang Minghao, Zhu Bingkun, and Xue Kun chimed in, "That's right!"

"I told you long ago that our superiors wouldn't treat us unfairly."

"Chen Shuai is just overthinking things."

……

For two weeks, Jiangzhou University and the Applied Electromagnetism Laboratory remained quiet.

It seems there's no future for room-temperature superconducting materials.

Major media outlets, lacking reliable sources, did not report on the matter, while smaller media outlets remained on the sidelines, observing the situation.

However, room-temperature superconductivity is so important that a large number of netizens are still paying attention to related information, which keeps the online discussion going.

Taking advantage of the topic, many self-media personalities stepped forward to comment.

Some self-media figures have come forward to assert that STN-01 is a fake research project, asking, "Is it possible to achieve room-temperature superconductivity with a material?"

"To borrow a comment from foreign media, this is not fifty years from now, not a hundred years from now, it is now."

"Room-temperature superconductivity is still a long way from being realized by humans!"

Some self-media commentators also said, "There has been no new information for half a month, so the verification of STN-01 is likely to have failed."

"Currently, there are only announcements from the Dongchuan Provincial Department of Science and Technology and Jiangzhou University. No other evidence can be found, and the announcements may be deleted soon."

There were also many other comments, such as that the research was significant and that if true, it would definitely be published in a top journal.

The lack of follow-up news suggests that there may be problems with the materials.

There is very little international reporting on this, but a renowned experimental team leader has come forward to express his hope that the STN-01 R&D team can disclose the material preparation method.

Of course, such words will not receive any response.

In fact, some intelligent people have already realized the problem.

STN-01 is said to be a room-temperature superconducting material, and its properties can only be described as having three possible states.

The worst-case scenario is that the material is like LK-99, and the results rely entirely on hype.

Then someone will definitely step forward to express their confidence, and there will definitely be news later.

In the second scenario, STN-01 has certain characteristics of ultra-high conductivity at room temperature, but it has no practical application value, for example, its current carrying capacity is very low.

In such cases, the research will definitely be made public. The materials may not have practical application value, but they have great scientific research value, and thus become a major research achievement.

Finally, STN-01 has excellent properties, enabling room-temperature superconductivity and possessing a certain current carrying capacity.

In other words, STN-01 has certain application value.

Research at this level will certainly not be made public, because it is already a key materials technology with huge market value.

The lack of follow-up news regarding STN-01 has led some to speculate...

Is it really the latter?
Compared to public opinion, the domestic academic community is much more calm.

Few people talk about STN-01. Even if they do, it's mostly lower-level staff who discuss it. Those with higher status, especially academicians in the field of materials science, know about it to some extent.

Academician Tang Jie of the Institute of Intelligent Materials is one of them.

After he learned the news, he stayed in his office sighing and looking dejected.

His student, Professor Li Jianrong from the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Donggang University, noticed him when he came to the office and immediately asked with concern, "Professor Tang, what's wrong?"

"Oh~~~"

Tang Jie sighed again and said, "Today I received news from Peng Qi of the Institute of Aeronautical Materials that he obtained a special material that is less than one millimeter wide and one centimeter long, and looks like a thread."

"He measured the material and found that its resistivity was extremely low."

Li Jianrong asked curiously, "How low?"

"It's more than five orders of magnitude lower than silver. He just did a simple measurement and doesn't have accurate data."

"At what temperature was it measured?"

"Room temperature, laboratory, around 20 degrees Celsius."

"Isn't that room-temperature superconductivity?" Li Jianrong was immediately dumbfounded.

He was stunned for a long time, then suddenly exclaimed in surprise, "Is it the STN-01 that was mentioned a while ago? I saw online that everyone said it was fake?"

"fake?"

Tang Jie laughed in anger, "Who said it's fake? Which professional scholar said that? Has he even seen the materials?"

“Li Jianrong, you are a professor, a scholar, and a professional researcher of materials. Don’t listen to nonsense on the internet.”

Li Jianrong could only lower his head and accept the criticism. After a long while, he finally asked, "Teacher Tang, isn't this something to be happy about? Why do you seem unhappy..."

"STN-01 was developed by Zhang Minghao and Xue Kun, how could I be happy about that?"

Tang Jie smiled wryly, "It would be great to have materials with high conductivity at room temperature. If it weren't for Yang Xuewen and his group, this achievement might have belonged to our Institute of Intelligent Systems!"

"Oh~~~"

Li Jianrong's thoughts were different; everyone at Donggang University knew Zhang Minghao.

Who would have thought that a doctoral student who was dismissed for 'paper fraud' would verify his experiment at another university and prove that it was a completely new physical phenomenon?

Now, another significant achievement has been made: a room-temperature ultra-high conductivity material…

He is very likely to win the Nobel Prize in the future, or even achieve greater honors.

In the future, when people talk about Zhang Minghao and look at his resume, they will find that he studied for a doctorate at Donggang University for a year before being dismissed.

Donggang University dismissed outstanding doctoral students, and Donggang University dismissed Nobel laureates...

That's not even a concept!
This might become a stain that Donggang University can never wash away for decades.
……

Applied Electromagnetism Laboratory.

After two weeks of silence, the laboratory became lively again.

Two teams from large domestic enterprises visited the laboratory: Southeast University Materials Industry Group and Northern Materials Research Institute Co., Ltd.

The team dispatched by Dongda Materials Industry Group was led by General Manager Yu Jianlun.

The delegation from Northern Materials Research Institute Co., Ltd. consisted of Director Zhou Hai and Deputy General Manager Liu Guobo.

Each team is followed by a dozen or so people, half of whom are experts and scholars in the field of materials.

Materials experts will evaluate STN-01, including its manufacturing costs, research value, commercial potential, and room for improvement in manufacturing technology and processes, among other things.

These factors must be considered together to measure the value of a materials technology.

Then, we can discuss material technology transfer or other forms of cooperation.

The two teams came together.

They were also the company designated by the Ministry of Science and Technology to discuss the transfer or cooperation of STN-01 material manufacturing technology with Jiangzhou University.

Such technology must not be leaked; it must be kept in the hands of major state-owned enterprises.

Once a company acquires the technology, it can have a professional R&D team tackle key material manufacturing technologies to improve processes, explore applications, and reduce manufacturing costs, among other things.

At the same time, the laboratory can also complete the transformation of technological achievements, and the researchers can earn a considerable income.

Cooperation is a win-win situation.

(End of this chapter)