To systematically enhance the quality of scientific research project applications and strengthen the talent pipeline in the medical field, the Faculty of Medicine of Ningbo University successfully held the "Second Session of the 2026 National Natural Science Foundation Project Application Guidance Meeting" on November 28. This meeting not only served as a critical guidance session before the application but also represented an important initiative by the Faculty of Medicine to strengthen talent recruitment and cultivation. It attracted active participation from research backbones across the Faculty's internal colleges and multiple affiliated hospitals. The meeting continued to adopt the interactive guidance model of "presentation + expert commentary," aiming to provide substantial assistance to applicants through targeted evaluations and on-site guidance.

The guidance meeting featured a total of 22 project presentations, covering various cutting-edge fields such as neuroscience, tumor mechanisms, metabolic diseases, and infection immunology. Coordinated by Professor Zhou Yiting from Zhejiang University, senior experts including Professors Jin Hongchuan, Cai Zhijian, Shen Yi, and Zhuo Wei from Zhejiang University were invited to serve as panel reviewers, providing "one-on-one" in-depth critiques and on-site evaluations for each project. The experts offered numerous targeted and constructive suggestions on aspects such as project rationale, refinement of scientific questions, innovation, and research foundations, creating a rigorous yet dynamic academic atmosphere. For Youth Fund projects, the reviewers provided special attention, offering meticulous guidance not only in scientific rigor but also in expanding research ideas and anticipating challenges. This interactive and diagnostic approach to guidance was highly praised by attendees. Applicants unanimously expressed that the experts' precise feedback helped them more clearly identify their projects' shortcomings and areas for improvement, providing critical insights for refining their applications.

The National Natural Science Foundation is a vital platform supporting basic research and talent development. By organizing such interactive guidance meetings, the Faculty of Medicine of Ningbo University not only effectively enhances the competitiveness of project applications but also fosters a research environment that encourages mutual learning and continuous improvement. In the future, the Faculty of Medicine will continue to optimize its scientific research services and guidance mechanisms, striving to build a sustainable ecosystem for cultivating young talents and laying a solid foundation for their independent research careers.