The path of scientific research is an almost "ascetic" journey. Are you prepared to embark on this arduous road, full of uncertainty and soul‑searching?

Does scientific research stem from curiosity?
The answer varies from person to person. In the past in China, many children were instilled from an early age—under the influence of social opinion and parental guidance—with the notion that "excel in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, and you can go anywhere in the world." Consequently, schools placed special emphasis on the study of science subjects. In such an environment, students received relatively rigorous training in rational scientific thinking. This training culminated in countless daily exercises, midterm exams, and final tests. Hence, it is not hard to see that "problem‑drilling" is the necessary path to achieving good grades.

Although this training method has been criticized by various sectors of society, it has indeed cultivated the learning abilities of most students. From the perspective of social equity, this grade‑oriented approach may still be the right choice for developing countries today. However, in this competition for survival and honor, something essential is neglected: the true craving for knowledge that arises from the depths of the soul. Students strive for personal career advancement, not for curiosity.

My Journey in Scientific Research

Entering the field of scientific research was, for me, relatively smooth and fortunate. Here, "smooth" does not refer to the ease of doing experiments, but rather to the relatively lucky process of crossing the thresholds that lead into this field. For that, I have always felt grateful—to both people and opportunities. In truth, scientific experiments are full of challenges; they often involve repeated failures and starting over.

For example, I once worked on a project that almost no other team was pursuing. At the time, I discussed with my advisor my interpretation of the data, and I accurately judged a specific data value—something I later confirmed through experiments. "Their experiments were quite accurate; I reproduced their results," I said. My advisor later gave up on this project. Years later, a team in the United States published that very result in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Does publication equal victory?

Publication does not signify the ultimate confirmation of scientific value. The value of a scientific achievement is not determined solely by the journal in which it appears; it depends on how much impact that achievement will have in the future—whether it improves people's lives, promotes social progress, enhances our understanding of nature, society, and humanity, and contributes to the long‑term prosperity of science.

In short, the path of scientific development depends on human attitude and long‑term goals.