Author: Xie Wanghai, Qian Mingya, Wang Juntao 

Publisher: Southcn  

Date: October 21, 2024

On October 15, 2024, the School of Basic Medicine and Public Health at Jinan University held its annual Undergraduate Research Innovation Double Selection Conference, marking a unique initiative that diverges from traditional job recruitment events by focusing primarily on connecting undergraduate students with research teams rather than employment opportunities.

(At the double selection conference)

A Unique Fair for Research Collaboration

This year, 24 medical research teams participated, each seeking to recruit 1-3 students to assist with ongoing projects. More than 210 students from various disciplines within the college attended the fair, submitting resumes and engaging in interviews with team representatives. 

Sophomore Lai Yirou, who is majoring in dentistry, highlighted her enthusiasm for the event. She noted that the college had provided advance registration details, allowing participants to select and submit applications to three research teams. “I have previously been exposed to anatomy courses and am quite interested in them. My background includes some experience with experiments,” she explained, indicating how her academic interests aligned with the teams she pursued.

(At the interview)

Emphasis on Self-Learning and Interest

Dr. Xu Lei, who represents the “Application Research of Multimodal Medical Big Data in Arrhythmia” team, emphasized the importance of a student’s personal interests and learning capabilities. He mentioned that the early stages of research can be challenging for freshmen and sophomores, who might lack foundational research skills. Therefore, the team seeks students with a strong self-learning disposition and a genuine interest in clinical research. Dr. Xu shared that the team aims to boost the research abilities of novices through collaborative discussions and curated learning materials.

Li Jiawei, a member of Yan Sen's research group, also pointed out that most undergraduate students would work on specific research projects after joining a team. “Dedicated members will serve as mentors to guide undergraduates and help them navigate the research process effectively,” he stated.

(At the recruitment fair)

Motivating Future Scientists

The dual selection mechanism implemented by the School of Basic Medicine and Public Health serves dual purposes: addressing the manpower challenges within laboratories while simultaneously giving students the opportunity to explore their interests in research. Dean Chen Guobing pointed out that this system not only aids in solving staffing shortages but also facilitates systematic training for students genuinely interested in scientific research. This, he believes, enhances their competitiveness in education and future employment opportunities.

Dr. Li Jiawei elaborated on the benefits of this approach, describing how undergraduate students can engage in laboratory work and participate in projects alongside master's and doctoral candidates, fostering their personal and academic growth. “Some experiments require teamwork, and as new projects emerge, we need fresh talent to sustain our research efforts.”

(At the interview)

Inspiring Early Engagement in Research

Zhu Xun, a first-year Clinical Medicine student who volunteered for the event, shared her excitement about being part of the bioinformatics research team. She noted the motivational impact of research projects on her learning experience, stating, “The sense of purpose and guidance in my studies has stronger direction when I am involved in scientific research.” This early engagement allows students to integrate knowledge beyond their classroom experiences, accelerating their growth in the field.

This year's conference was the fifth since its inception in 2019. Over these years, it has attracted an average of 40 to 50 student participants annually, significantly enhancing their research literacy and energizing the scientific innovation within research teams. 

Supporting Research Engagement

Chen Guobing highlighted ongoing efforts to support student involvement in scientific research, which include offering specialized courses in research innovation and establishing dedicated laboratories for foundational training. Additionally, research teams provide various forms of mentorship, and undergraduates are encouraged to propose their own research projects, further fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.

As Jinan University continues to promote undergraduate research engagement through initiatives like the Double Selection Conference, it is paving the way for the next generation of researchers, equipping them with the necessary skills and experience to thrive in the competitive world of medical research and beyond.