Invitation to 2020 Soochow University Forum for International Young Scholars
Located in the historic and cultural city of Suzhou and founded in 1900, Soochow University is a Key National “Project 211” university, and one of the first institutions selected for “Plan 2011” in China. It is listed into “Double First-Class” Initiative jointly built by the Ministry of Education and Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government. It is also a provincial key comprehensive university sponsored by the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense and Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government. In 2019, it was ranked 51th globally and 13th domestically in the Nature Index, and the 15th domestically in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking. It is ranked the 18th domestically in the 2020 THE University Ranking. Eighteen scholars of Soochow University were listed into “Highly Cited Researchers” by Clarivate Analytics; the number was ranked the 5th in China. Currently, thirteen of its disciplines -- Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Clinical Medicine, Engineering, Pharmacy and Toxicology, Biology and Biological Chemistry, Neurology and Behavioral Science, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Immunology, Mathematics, Computer Sciences and Agricultural Sciences -- are ranked the top 1% of the Thomson Reuters Essential Science Indicators (ESI) ranking. Chemistry and Materials Science are ranked the top 1‰.
Nowadays, with an active spirit, an open mind and an international horizon, all the faculties of Soochow University are sparing no effort in building up a world-renowned research-oriented university. We hereby invite international scholars to attend the 2020 Soochow University Forum for International Young Scholars.
I. About the Forum
The 2020 Forum will commence on April 9 and conclude on April 11. It aims to gather outstanding young international scholars from different academic backgrounds to promote their collaboration, their joint exploration of the frontiers of science, and their progress toward greater academic achievements.
II. Participant Requirements
1. Under the age of 40 (born after January 1, 1980);
2. For scholars from China: selected for “Four Youth Talent Plans”, e.g. awarded by the “Outstanding Youth of National Science Foundation”, or recipient of similar levels of recognition for young scholars;
3. For overseas scholars: holder of a doctorate degree from a prestigious overseas university, or holder of a doctorate degree from a Chinese university, plus at least 2 years of consecutive scientific research experience overseas.
III. Pay and Benefits
Soochow University provides the following pay and benefits for excellent scholars who are selected for “Four Youth Talent Plans” or of similar levels of recognition: A. Title and Pay
1. Title: Distinguished Professor and doctoral supervisor;2. Pay: RMB 350,000-600,000 annually, plus cash reward for papers and projects without cap;3. Relocation: RMB 2,000,000-4,750,000 (this includes subsidiaries provided by the local government); fully decorated short-term accommodation.4. Research Support Funding: RMB 500,000 for scholars in the Humanities and Social Sciences, RMB 600,000-800,000 for scholars in Non-experimental Sciences, RMB 800,000-2,000,000 for those in Experimental Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. Large-scale equipment and apparatus may be provided as needed;
B. Benefits
1. Priority recommendations for applying “Innovation and Entrepreneurship program”. Successful individual applicants will be funded with RMB 3,000,000, 1,000,000 or 500,000 within 3 years. Successful group applicants will be funded with RMB 3,000,000-8,000,000.2. Priority recommendations for applying “Distinguished Professor of Jiangsu Province”. Successful candidates will be awarded RMB 120,000 / year, and a research fund of RMB 1,000,000 (RMB 2,000,000 for excellent ones) and 500,000 for natural sciences and liberal arts respectively.3. Priority recommendations for applying various talent programs in Suzhou, e.g. “Leading Talents of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Gusu District”, “Talent Subsidy”, “Easier Settling Project”, “Reward for Contribution of Outstanding Talents” and SIP’s “Jinji Lake Talent Plan”.4. Other benefits include: spatial offices and labs, support for establishing research groups, priority for recruiting students, job and school recommendations for spouse and offspring and convenient medical care.
IV. Timeline
Applications: Jan 15- March 5, 2020.
Invitations will be issued from March 10-20, 2020.
The Forum takes place April 9 – April 11, 2020.
V. To Apply
Register and submit the application form of “2020 Soochow University Forum for International Young Scholars” on the website http://rckf.rsc.suda.edu.cn（please copy and paste the URL into the web browser to open）.
VI. Travel and Accommodation
Invited scholars will be reimbursed for their actual round-trip economy class airfare, up to a maximum of RMB 15,000 per person from Europe and America, RMB 10,000 per person from Asia, and RMB 6,000 per person from China (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan). Soochow University will provide accommodation during the Forum.
VII. Contacts
Scholars Recruitment Office, Personnel Department, Soochow University
Contacts: Zhang Xian, Yin Kui, Wu Jie, Yan Tingkai, Hu Yue
Tel: +86-512-67503248
Email: rckf@suda.edu.cn