Chapter 459: A New Beginning
No matter the mood of the invited guests, Dean Bai was naturally in high spirits! Whatever happens next, it is an undeniable fact that Xilin University of Technology possesses Huaxia's first Particle Collider comparable to CERN's LHC.
He had already received many application proposals for scientific collaborations in the field of high-energy physics.
Judging by today's situation, there will only be more. Many scholars, whom he never previously considered inviting for lectures, can now be selected at his discretion.
The only pity is that the Physics College does not yet have a scientific policy committee to assess scientific projects for him.
But no worries, with Dou Dou's all-knowing capability about every matter, it's unlikely he will be fooled. Even if artificial intelligence can't be completely trusted, isn't Edward Witten also here to oversee matters?
Now that the Xi Lin Mathematical Research Institute has been renamed to the Xilin Mathematical Research Institute, it is reasonable for him to seek expert help.
All in all, the future looks promising.
However, no one seemed to have anticipated that Dou Dou also has his own perception regarding the review of research projects.
Moreover, while speaking for Qiao Ze, he directly disclosed it.
"...Yes, as I mentioned earlier, the new generation of Particle Colliders is already in the design phase. Our iteration and upgrades are very rapid. The Xilin University of Technology's High Energy Physics Laboratory has reserved sufficient space to introduce the second and even the third ultra-small particle collision equipment.
Meanwhile, as the temporary project review officer, I have received many project applications from domestic and foreign experts wishing to conduct scientific research in the laboratory. But clearly, everyone has overlooked the most fundamental aspect, which is funding.
As is well known, CERN's research is primarily financially supported by member countries through membership fees. Evidently, our Xilin University of Technology's High Energy Physics Laboratory is just a regular laboratory, unlikely to have sufficient funds to sustain large-scale project expenses.
In particular, high-energy physics experiments require vast resources and time; project applicants need to cover the operational costs themselves. Therefore, scientists wishing to apply for research projects in our High Energy Laboratory should download new project application forms and must fill out the amount of research funding the project can bring.
This is very important. Otherwise, how can I do cost calculations and determine whether to approve this project? I'm sure everyone understands, right?... "
Bai, sitting below, was somewhat embarrassed...
How could he forget about collecting money; it turns out that artificial intelligence is reliable.
What he didn't expect was that, observing those eminent physicists present, none seemed surprised or displeased. This seems to indicate that everyone can accept paying for the use of equipment, or perhaps all invited guests are those who don't lack research funding?
Alright, no matter the reason, Dean Bai at least realized one fact. Although Dou Dou appears extravagant when spending money, especially in giving rewards, actually, he is quite adept at finding ways to earn money and considers issues comprehensively.
Nevertheless, the unveiling ceremony on that day was a great success. Not only did everyone present offer their blessings, but more importantly, the ultra-small Particle Collider indeed demonstrated performance incomparable to the LHC.
Though not everyone was thrilled—for instance, while Edward Witten continuously praised the performance of Huaxia's ultra-small Particle Collider, several CERN high-ranking officials who were invited showed displeased expressions, especially the Director-General. Nonetheless, it was undoubtedly a joyous occasion for Dean Bai.
At the end of the unveiling ceremony in summary, Bai passionately declared a famous phrase previously quoted by Dou Dou.
"...Trust me, this is a small step for Huaxia, but a giant leap for human civilization!"
The impact was indeed significant.
A week after the Xilin University of Technology Physics College High Energy Particle Laboratory unveiling, world scientific circles were stirred by unexpected news. CERN officially announced that due to some financial difficulties, the scheduled online date for the Hadron Collider under maintenance needs to be postponed.
Regarding the time extension, the official response was uncertain.
They also stated that CERN's highest governing body, the CERN Council, is actively seeking funding solutions to ensure the LHC and other facilities can be put back online as soon as possible.
Of course, CERN also assured that during equipment maintenance, scientists remaining at CERN will continue to receive excellent scientific and living support.
After all, although the equipment is under maintenance, the previously generated data still needs research and analysis. So equipment maintenance doesn't mean the entire research base is deserted.
Though awkwardly, before this official statement is taken down from the website, it was revealed that some resident scientists were complaining on Twitter about the declining quality of food at the Merlin Canteen.
"Honestly, the recent meals don't seem prepared for humans, especially the cheese provided, which reminds me of my dad's smelly socks! This should never be the image that surfaces in one's mind when enjoying culinary delights! So dear management committee, if you intend to drive us away this way, please just say so!"
Below this tweet, there was an accompanying picture. Honestly, just looking at the picture, it doesn't really show how bad the food is—it's simply the kind of sandwich that is very common in Western diets. It might not seem very appetizing to Huaxia people, but for Westerners, it's a common food, difficult to perceive how unpleasant it is through a picture.