The unveiling ceremony of the New Cornerstone Science Laboratory(NCSL) was grandly held in our university on April 13th. Chu Liangyin, vice president of SCU, Chen Gang, deputy director of Chengdu Science and Technology Bureau, Cai Guangzhong, vice president of Tencent and General Manager of its Southwest Region, and Zhang Xu, a professor of the College of Mathematics and New Cornerstone investigator jointly unveiled the plaque.

Chu Liangyin, on behalf of SCU, warmly welcomed the guests and expressed gratitude to Tencent for establishing the "New Cornerstone Investigator Project". Chu Liangyin stated that strengthening basic research is an urgent requirement for China to achieve high-level technological self-reliance and self-improvement. The NCIP provides strong support for scientists to focus on basic research work. The university will further provide comprehensive services to ensure the smooth implementation of approved projects, and continue to organize outstanding scientists to actively apply for the NCIP.

Cai Guangzhong congratulated Zhang Xu on receiving the first funding of the "New Cornerstone Researcher Project". He stated that announcing the establishment of the "Scientific Exploration Award" five years ago and the "New Cornerstone Investigator Project" today both indicate that to provide strong support for basic research is Tencent's long-term commitment and the latter being another important practice in promoting sustainable social value innovation strategy.

Researchers from different disciplines of SCU participated in the subsequent exchange session. Zhou Changhua, deputy secretary general of the New Cornerstone Investigator Project, gave a detailed introduction of the purpose of the "New Cornerstone Investigator Project," and the first batch of project applications.

The New Cornerstone Science Laboratory is established by the New Cornerstone Science Foundation and serves as a platform for researchers to conduct scientific research and academic exchanges.

The "New Cornerstone Investigator Project" is a new type of basic research funding that focuses on innovation, encourages free exploration, and benefits the public. It aims to provide long-term and steadfast support for a group of outstanding scientists to devote themselves to basic research and achieve the "zero to one" innovation. On January 13th of this year, NCIP announced the recipients of its first funding in Beijing, with a total of 58 scientists on the list, including 7 in the field of mathematics. Zhang Xu was selected as one of the first New Cornerstone investigators.