Top academic

Chapter 148 I Withdraw!

In fact, Tian Yanzhen originally planned to bring Qiao Yu to the review meeting so that he could have a certain understanding of the evaluation and review process of the fund project.

This is a roundtable meeting, mainly to discuss some complex topics and interdisciplinary projects in the field of mathematical theory research.

But because Qiao Yu unexpectedly came up with an idea, Tian Yanzhen asked Qiao Yu to write the project as soon as possible, joined the team, and submitted it.

After all, before the meeting starts, relevant experts have to review the project book first.

At the meeting, experts are required to briefly report the main highlights and issues of the projects assigned to them and conduct an evaluation.

For some controversial items, we will also discuss and analyze them in depth. If there are disagreements, further discussions and votes may be arranged.

So Qiao Yu came this time with more confidence. He was originally there to listen, but now he was the representative of the application team, accepting the experts' questions and answering questions.

In fact, before the project was formally submitted, Tian Yanzhen had a closed-door discussion with Qiao Yu regarding the composition of the team.

Neither of them disclosed what they had discussed. However, the list was submitted according to Qiao Yu's choice without changing any name.

……

Obviously, Qiao Yu was not the only one attending the meeting as a representative of the application team.

Qiao Yu got the catalog of the projects to be discussed before the meeting, such as the optimization of machine learning algorithms based on quantum information geometry.

It is necessary to introduce the geometric structure of quantum states into machine learning models, study the classification and clustering methods of quantum states, and use quantum gradient optimization algorithms.

Another example is the algorithm for fast extraction of topological features of high-dimensional complex data. It is said that if successful, it can solve the bottleneck of existing algorithms in large-scale data processing.

In short, the team representatives who were invited to attend this meeting all belong to projects that experts are optimistic about.

As for whether these projects can pass the review, Qiao Yu has no idea whether others know about it or not, but he doesn’t know it anyway.

Tian Yanzhen and Mr. Yuan had never mentioned the twists and turns in the review meeting to him. They just asked him to listen carefully when he attended, and to speak well when it was his turn.

This made Qiao Yu feel a little bored.

Because apart from his own mentor and his master, he didn't know any of the experts who came to attend the meeting or the project team representatives...

Of course, everyone was quite enthusiastic about him before the meeting, but Qiao Yu could sense a complicated psychology behind that enthusiasm.

That smelled of competition, which definitely included some opinions about his age... But it didn't matter, he wasn't here to make friends anyway.

“Dear experts and colleagues, good morning. First of all, on behalf of the conference organizers, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the experts for taking the time out of their busy schedules to attend this review meeting…”

"I now declare the meeting officially open. First, I would like to invite Academician Luo Jinglei from the Institute of Mathematics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences to briefly introduce the optimal resource allocation model in multi-scale energy networks project he is responsible for, as well as the review opinions."

……

After a brief opening speech by the conference host, the review meeting officially began.

Qiao Yu just listened casually. It was difficult for him to put too much energy into a project he was not interested in. However, in this atmosphere, it was not difficult to endure. He could empty his mind and have a good rest.

Just as Qiao Yu was listening to the report of the academician on the stage, seemingly seriously but without thinking at all, he suddenly felt someone touching his arm.

After he reacted, a piece of paper was handed to him.

It allows people to clearly feel the nostalgic experience.

When he was in Class 13, although he never wrote notes, passing notes to classmates during class was a daily routine.

Especially when there were several couples in the class, there were two routes that he and Zhou Shuang had to pass through...

Of course, in many cases, this behavior of passing notes is definitely seen by teachers, but they are just too lazy to care.

This kind of roundtable meeting is different. The host and the experts participating in the review sit at a large round table in the inner circle.

The outer circle is occupied by team representatives and people who take meeting notes, so passing notes is not likely to be discovered.

"Little brother, you are amazing! At the age of 16, you can give the opening speech at the World Algebraic Geometry Conference. I specially looked for your speech, which is textbook-level!
I read the topic you applied for this time. One of the research goals is to build a bridge between number theory and geometry. That’s amazing!

If you can succeed, even the masters from around the world will give up. Really, I think your project will definitely be selected.”

Ok……

Qiao Yu was a little confused after reading these two paragraphs.

The main reason was that no one had ever praised him so openly before. Even Senior Brother Chen and Professor Xue were very reserved when praising him.

Qiao Yu turned his head and glanced at a round-faced professor in his thirties sitting next to him.

He is not fat but has a round face. He has a smile like the Maitreya Buddha that makes people feel comfortable, and he looks very sincere.

Qiao Yu remembered that he seemed to have heard Director Tian introduce this person before the meeting. He seemed to be an associate professor at Ludong University, named Yang Yuancheng.

Qiao Yu is no longer a newbie. Anyone who can be promoted to associate professor before the age of 35 must be a very capable leader.

Well, the boss spoke so nicely, it must be a business blow-by-blow...

So Qiao Yu took out a pen and quickly wrote back two sentences.

"Professor Yang, you are too polite. Your research is really promising. If successful, it can take the current level of artificial intelligence to a higher level.

It's a pity that I'm not an expert. If I were, I would definitely recommend your project to be the first one to be approved. After all, this is the hottest research field right now! And it has great practical value."

After finishing writing, Qiao Yu handed the large white paper back to Professor Yang.

After Professor Yang finished reading it, his smile became even wider. He then started writing quickly and handed it to Qiao Yu.

"Really? That's great! To be honest, one of the key issues in our project is to explore the algebraic geometric properties of quantum state space.

Currently, we are considering using methods such as Grassmann manifolds and complex geometry to describe quantum states. However, the current progress is only satisfactory.

Qiao Yu, if you are also optimistic about our project, why don't you join us and be responsible for providing some suggestions on this issue? Don't worry, after the project is completed, you will definitely receive a lot of thanks!"

After reading what Professor Yang wrote, Qiao Yu felt for the first time that following a big-name mentor was not such a good idea.

He couldn't tell whether Professor Yang was trying to win him over for the sake of his mentor's reputation or was really impressed by his talent.

The main thing is that his round face makes him look very honest, and his smile is so friendly that it almost hides all the details.

Qiao Yu felt that Professor Yang must be popular in the academic community. This reminded him of Yu Yongjun, who also looked harmless, but was mean, mean...

But then again, it seems a bit late to invite her now, right?
The project has already been discussed at the meeting. Even if we want him to speak in favor of Director Tian now, there is no chance...

From the corner of my eye, I could see that Professor Yang's smile looked more sincere.

This was the first time Qiao Yu received such an invitation. After thinking about it, he decided to decline.

There's no way. He will be very busy for some time and won't have time to collaborate on projects with others.

"Professor Yang, I am really optimistic about your project. But I am still a little inexperienced and still have many shortcomings. I am afraid that it will delay the progress of the project.

Secondly, in addition to doing some scientific research, my supervisor has assigned me a lot of learning tasks, and I really can't spare so much time and energy, which is a pity.

It’s such a pity this time. If there is such a good project next time, please invite me again.”

After writing it, I handed it over.

"Ah... that's really a pity! It's an honor for our entire research team to be able to work with a young talent like you! But I can understand, after all, you applied for a key project."

After reading this sentence, Qiao Yu thought about it and decided to end this conversation.

"Well, I applied for a key project, but I'm just here to run with it. In fact, I told my advisor about this, but he was too anxious. I hope to apply after I've made some achievements, not now. So don't worry, at least we are not competitors this year."

After delivering this sentence to Professor Yang, Qiao Yu turned around and politely gave a youthful smile to the round-faced professor, whose face had turned from smiling to stunned, and then began to listen "carefully" to the expert deliberation again.

It's not that he drugged the other party, Qiao Yu really felt that Tian Yanzhen and Yuan Lao were too anxious.

And he had already convinced his own supervisor before submitting the project. The reason was also very simple.

When this axiomatic framework was just a concept, it was not very convincing. Qiao Yu even felt that he could not convince other professors in the research group.

The reason why everyone is willing to join the research team is simply because of Tian Yanzhen and Mr. Yuan’s face.

He didn't like this because he really felt that the preliminary proof work was not as complicated as Tian Yanzhen, Mr. Yuan and Professor Zhang thought.

Qiao Yu really has the confidence to build the framework of the entire axiomatic system without spending too much money.

For some basic work in the early stage, it was enough to have professors and senior students he was familiar with to help with some detailed work! There was no need for support from the Natural Science Foundation.

After a period of time, he has built the entire axiomatic system, and the first batch of research teams have stabilized. It will be completely in time to apply for funds.

It’s not that Qiao Yu is willful, this involves the issue of absolute dominance within a research group.

Although he was the one who raised this question, and he had the support of Director Tian and Mr. Yuan, he was only sixteen years old after all.

He didn't want to have to play his cute boyish side in front of the research group when he held a group meeting.

The most important thing is that he is still young! Youth funds can be applied for until the age of 35, so why should he rush?

He originally wanted to not submit the project proposal at all. Anyway, everyone who should get on the bus has already gotten on the bus.

But Director Tian finally decided to submit it.

"If you follow the whole process and understand it, it will be helpful for you to apply for projects in the future, and also for you to become a member of the expert group to review projects in the future."

……

After several experts introduced their assigned topics, it was finally Qiao Yu's turn.

"Next, we invite Academician Zhang Yuanling from Shuangdan University to introduce the axiom system of generalized modal number theory on multiple transcendental spaces and the review opinions."

When Qiao Yu heard his project being read out by the host, he sat up straighter.

Although he doesn't care whether his project will be selected, he still has to have the right attitude.

After all, my tutor and Mr. Yuan were sitting in the front.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the conference room began to become a little strange.

Not much of his attention was paid to the academician from the Institute of Mathematical Sciences on the stage, but he unconsciously looked at the sixteen-year-old boy sitting in the back row.

In fact, seniority-based promotion is inevitable wherever you are in the world, especially in academia.

In a sense, it was a miracle that the project proposal submitted by the sixteen-year-old boy could enter their field of vision.

Even though Qiao Yu has achieved achievements that many professors have not achieved, it is still a bit too late at this age.

If Qiao Yu's mentor was not Tian Yanzhen, and she had a very good relationship with Yuan Zhengxin, this would indeed not be a project proposal that should be discussed at today's meeting.

So it wasn't just Qiao Yu who felt that his mentor and Old Lady Yuan were anxious. Every expert who could participate in the meeting today actually felt that this was unnecessary.

Everyone has selfish motives.

There are only so many Youth Foundation projects every year, and many professors are about to pass the age limit. If they fail to apply this time, they may not have a chance next time.

It is indeed unreasonable for a 16-year-old to come and argue. Although this idea is indeed valuable, everyone knows that there are many valuable ideas.

For example, the Langlands Program has so many sub-conjectures that have not yet been fully proven. Moreover, Qiao Yu's ideas are very novel, and as we all know, novel things are often controversial.

Even after it has been fully proven, there are still debates, let alone the fact that there is only a framework at present.

But Qiao Yu is a guy who doesn't play by the rules, and his record is verifiable!

Before the geometric Langlands conjecture was about to be recognized, he suddenly found a bug in the proof and then fixed it himself...

In this process, two professors from the other team were kicked out, their papers were removed from the shelves, and their own papers were promoted. In theory, there is nothing wrong with it, but it makes people feel that it is difficult to evaluate.

A sixteen-year-old genius who is difficult to evaluate has now made a name for himself in the world, which really gives the expert judges a headache.

Whether this project proposal is approved or rejected, it is very stressful and a headache.

This is probably why Qiao Yu's project proposal was put off until the end. The most difficult problems were left to be solved last.

……

"…I have introduced the importance, breakthrough and innovation of the research on the axiom system of generalized modal number theory on multiple transcendental spaces. Next, I will talk about the problem.

First, judging from the project report submitted so far, the definition of the modal space geometric structure proposed by Qiao Yu is not clear enough.

This includes two aspects: the physical and geometric meanings of modal parameters are not clear, and the way to determine the dimensions of modal space is relatively abstract. Second, I did not see a clearer or sufficient mathematical basis for the definition of modal distance in the report. I think it is still far from giving an axiomatic definition.

Third, I noticed that the research objectives include the expansion of the problem of dealing with complex high-dimensional modal spaces. However, as the modal space expands to high dimensions, the computational complexity and theoretical construction increase exponentially. I don’t see any idea on how to ensure that it does not get out of control.

Fourth...and lastly, I carefully read the resumes of the project team members and found that some key members lacked scientific research experience and I doubted whether they could achieve the preset goals of the research project.

I have completed my review of this topic. "

Well, this time Qiao Yu really listened carefully.

The academician is quite capable. The fact that he was able to raise six questions in such a short time at least shows that Academician Zhang Yuanling had carefully read the report he submitted.

He could answer some of these questions right now. It wasn't that the level of the questions asked by Academician Zhang was not good, but it was limited by the length of the report and he couldn't include all of them.

There are also some questions that he cannot give clear answers to now.

For example, the third question involves the research on high dimensions, which is a future direction.

As far as the current situation is concerned, it is good enough for this axiomatic framework to first solve the problems in two-dimensional and three-dimensional modal spaces.

As for how to solve the theoretical and computational complexity problems when extending the method to high-dimensional space, Qiao Yu has not considered it at all.

Because the purpose of creating this framework is to solve the twin prime conjecture assigned by his tutor, in Qiao Yu's opinion, three-dimensional modal space is sufficient to solve this problem.

One dimension represents the basic sequence of prime numbers; two dimensions describe the spacing between pairs of prime numbers; and three dimensions provide geometric information such as periodicity or local symmetry.

Introducing more dimensions, even if it only increases the complexity and difficulty of proof, is completely unnecessary.

In view of the above, after Academician Zhang finished his speech, Qiao Yu naturally raised his hand high.

……

For the vast majority of people attending this meeting today, I would say ninety-nine percent of them, they are very clear about how the meeting should proceed.

The only exception is probably Qiao Yu.

For example, when each expert introduced the project proposal just now, there were actually project representatives in the audience, but no one asked to speak. They just recorded the questions raised by the experts.

Because the morning session is just for the review experts to express their opinions. The specific defense session is in the afternoon, after the experts have a preliminary discussion on each project plan.

But this doesn't apply to Qiao Yu, he raised his hand when he felt there was a problem. This has nothing to do with his mentor being Tian Yanzhen and his master's master being Yuan Zhengxin, it's simply a question of thinking mode.

The world of minors is not as complicated as that of adults. For example, in high school, raising your hand to ask questions is a natural thing.

The most troublesome thing for today's conference host was that although Qiao Yu was sitting in the second row, he was right opposite him.

Especially when he was the only one with his hands raised high, it was impossible for him to pretend not to see it.

Even if we don't consider Qiao Yu's mentor Tian Yanzhen, or Yuan Zhengxin, as the host of this meeting, they don't want to offend a talented young man like Qiao Yu.

I have to admit that being invited to attend a world-class academic conference and give an opening speech at the age of 16, and being able to meet the whole country on the 7 o'clock news is indeed a privilege for a genius.

The most important thing is that at this age, even if you do something a little out of line, it won’t cause too much disgust.

On the contrary, if any one of the people present here today really competed with Qiao Yu, it would be considered ungentlemanly if news got out.

Most importantly, this kind of thing has never happened before, because there has never been a precedent for a 16-year-old genius to attend such a meeting.

So the conference host weighed the pros and cons for two seconds before asking, "Representative of the research group on the axiom system of generalized modal number theory on multiple transcendental spaces, do you have any questions that must be raised now?"

Qiao Yu immediately stood up and said politely, "Thank you, host, and thank you, Academician Zhang Yuanling. I have something to say, can you give me five minutes?"

The host looked at the other experts present, Tian Yanzhen turned his head and glared at Qiao Yu, and Mr. Yuan sat in his seat without saying a word.

Naturally, no one else would say anything.

Academician Zhang Yuanling, who had just finished his speech, nodded with a smile and said, "Well, five minutes is fine, I think."

“Thank you, Academician Zhang. First of all, I would like to explain to you the first question you just raised, which is whether the definition of the geometric structure is clear.

The construction of modal space is based on flexibility and generality. Its core significance lies in providing multiple representations for number theory objects.

This representation can be defined in different modal dimensions. So clarity cannot be considered, but the required definition is achieved by restricting the geometry of the modal space.

As for other aspects, I think your doubts are all correct, especially your concerns about the composition of the research team and whether this project can be successfully completed are very insightful. It also made me fully aware of the shortcomings of this project.

As a representative of the research team, I am deeply aware that there are still many areas of inadequacy in preparation for this project. I am very grateful to Academician Zhang for taking the time to review my project proposal.

After your suggestion, I decided to formally apply to withdraw my project application at this meeting. At the same time, I also look forward to the opportunity to submit the application again in the future and receive your guidance and support.

Thank you all again. Especially Academician Zhang, I am sorry for wasting your valuable time. "

After saying that, Qiao Yu politely bowed slightly to the experts at the round table meeting, and then sat down in his seat obediently.

Whether it is in accordance with the rules or not is another matter, but he is really polite and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.

This time, the meeting host subconsciously glanced at Tian Yanzhen and Yuan Zhengxin. The two big guys looked indifferent and had no intention of speaking.

The meeting host could only ask again: "Um, are you sure you want to apply to withdraw the project report?"

"Yes, thank you, host uncle."

"Um... you're welcome. Okay, thank you Academician Zhang Yuanling for your introduction. I declare this morning's agenda complete. Please go to Hall 3 for dinner. The defense of the shortlisted projects will be held at 2 p.m., so please be on time."

……

"Why are you in such a hurry? Can't you express your opinion after the defense in the afternoon according to the procedure?"

After the meeting was over and they left the conference room, Tian Yanzhen couldn't help but scold Qiao Yu again.

"Hey, Director Tian, ​​I'm afraid that we'll really start the defense phase this afternoon. What if I convince all the other experts? I feel like it will be very uncomfortable if I really pass."

"Well, Qiao Xi said you were naughty, but I didn't believe it. Now it seems that you are indeed naughty enough."

I don't know when Mr. Yuan, who had walked up to Qiao Yu, also criticized him.

However, after criticizing Qiao Yu, Old Yuan glared at Tian Yanzhen and said, "Look at me. I have such a good grandson, but you have taught him to be like this. If you don't have the ability, just let me teach him myself!"

Tian Yanzhen smiled and didn't reply.

Qiao Yu directly supported the old man and said, "Grandpa, this can't be blamed on Director Tian. I was indeed willful this time, but I promise that by this time next year at the latest, I will have made some achievements to show them! Don't look down on others like that."

"What do you plan to achieve by this time next year?" Yuan Zhengxin looked at Qiao Yu and asked.

"At least we need to solve all the problems raised by Academician Zhang, and prove the practicality of this framework. I tell you, Grandpa, there is motivation only when there is pressure.

I feel that our research group is incredibly strong, and we might even prove the twin prime conjecture. Then we can apply for the project again and see who can still question us. "

Qiao Yu said with confidence.

The situation has come to this, and Yuan Zhengxin wanted to say a few more words, but seeing Qiao Yu's high morale at this moment, he suddenly felt that he should not discourage this child's self-confidence.

So he looked at Tian Yanzhen who was silent and said, "Okay, in this case, there is no need to attend the afternoon meeting. I will take Qiao Yu back first."

Tian Yanzhen smiled bitterly and nodded.

The old man and the child can both be willful, but he is the only one who cannot be willful.

After all, he was one of the review experts and would give his opinion later. Unlike Mr. Yuan, he decided to attend this meeting on a whim.

I could just make up an excuse in the afternoon that I was not feeling well and needed to go back home to rest, and no one could use that as an excuse.

The most important thing is that Tian Yan is really sure that many people on the jury are eager for the old man to leave.

Otherwise, at the review meeting, if the old man gets angry and says a few words, it won’t have much impact, but it will be embarrassing.

……

"Ah, actually I was the one who was anxious this time."

On the way back to Huaqing, Yuan Zhengxin suddenly spoke.

"Forehead……"

"Don't talk. Actually, according to your teacher's idea, it's right to only apply for a small project. After all, you are still so young.

But I am very optimistic about your idea. And I believe you can definitely do it. I have never thought about whether you can convince people at your age. "

Qiao Yu raised his hand and scratched his head, feeling a little embarrassed.

"Your idea is very good. Let's make some achievements first, set up the framework, and let's do research with results. By the way, I'll help you keep an eye on Qiao Xi.

Let her go to my office to study from tomorrow, and I will personally help her with her homework. If you have any questions that need assistance, please feel free to contact me. I will help her with it.

As for you, you must devote yourself to study and research. Don't waste your talent."

Yuan Zhengxin explained seriously.

"Don't worry, Grandpa. I wasn't kidding you just now. I have every confidence that I can complete the proof of the basic axioms within a year. To put it bluntly, mathematics relies on strength, not on talking. Don't you agree?"

Yuan Zhengxin smiled. This child is domineering, just like himself!

"Yes, mathematics relies on strength, so where do you decide to start?"

"Grandpa, do you still remember the upper bound conjecture my mom gave? It is that there is an upper bound for the curve where the number of rational solutions gradually tends to be stable as the genus increases."

"Well, according to supercomputer verification, this conjecture seems to be correct at present."

“I plan to start with this project. While constructing this modal space axiom system, I plan to use this system to prove this proposition.

And I have a very clever idea. The next step is to work with you and my mother to transform this idea into a proof process. What do you think? "

"Okay, okay, okay, I'm waiting to see your results! Not getting a grant is nothing. If you can prove this proposition before the end of the year, we'll get a prize first! Let's see who's still unconvinced by then!"

Yuan Zhengxin said domineeringly.

"Um……"

……

At noon, he went to Huaqing for lunch and did not stay long before returning to Yanbei University. The main reason was that he did not want to be caught by Qiao Xi and be scolded again.

But Qiao Yu didn't think he had done anything wrong.

In Qiao Yu's worldview, there is no right or wrong in the absolute sense in this world. The so-called right and wrong are all defined by humans.

For example, can humans have more than 100 genders? There are probably hundreds of millions of people around the world who think they can! And they firmly believe that this is fucking right!
How to prove that the other party is wrong is actually very simple. You just need to have the ability to change it.

Coincidentally, Qiao Yu felt that he was not only good at definitions, but also better at proofs.

As for Qiao Xi's ideas... let Mr. Yuan teach him for a few days, Qiao Yu believes that Qiao Xi will not have any other ideas.

Although Mr. Yuan usually looks kind to him, he has very high requirements when teaching students. Qiao Xi will definitely be in big trouble next.

As for him, his most important task now is to realize the boasts he made.

He had to give his master, who had high hopes for him, a taste of sweetness, so after returning to school he went straight back to his own cabin.

I had originally planned to go to the place where some of my friends were doing military training, and drink a bottle of Coke while they were standing at attention...

At about the time of dinner in the afternoon, Brother Chen’s WeChat message arrived as promised.

"How's Junior Brother? Did our project pass today's meeting?"

Qiao Yu said quickly: "Brother, I directly withdrew the project proposal we submitted at the meeting today!"

"Withdraw? No, Junior Brother, I was impulsive!"

“It’s so infuriating that the review experts actually think that you don’t have much relevant research experience and question whether our project may be completed.

Can I indulge him? We must withdraw the application and apply again next year after we have made achievements. I want to see who will dare to question your scientific research ability by then!"

Senior Brother Chen once again replied with a concise and powerful message.

"???"

(End of this chapter)