The Youth Working Group of the Academy of Marxism at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Held the 27th "Social Perspective" Youth Academic Salon
To deeply implement the thematic education for studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the Youth Working Group of the Institute of Marxism Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) held the 27th "Social Perspective" Youth Academic Salon and a field research activity at the Peking University Red Building [1] on July 5, 2023.
Youth scholars from the Institute of Marxism Studies arrived at the Peking University Red Building (hereafter "PKU Red Building") to conduct field research, retracing the footsteps of revolutionary predecessors and internalizing the Great Founding Spirit of the Party [2]. The research team was privileged to invite Yang Jiayi, a member of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Curator of the Memorial of Early Revolutionary Activities of the Communist Party of China in Beijing. Curator Yang delivered a concise introduction to the history and significance of the PKU Red Building. Constructed in 1916 and designated in 1961 as part of the first group of Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level, the building served as the earliest important front for the dissemination of Marxism in China. In October 2021, the Memorial of Early Revolutionary Activities of the CPC in Beijing was officially inaugurated at the site, becoming an essential educational base for Party members and cadres to utilize "red resources" and carry forward the "red lineage" [3]. Curator Yang noted that this memorial holds a unique status among national commemorative sites. The PKU Red Building preserves the footprints of pioneers such as Li Dazhao, Chen Duxiu, and Mao Zedong as they searched for the truth to save the nation and its people. It served as the center of the New Culture Movement [4], the primary battleground for Marxist dissemination, and the cradle of the May Fourth Movement [5]. Led by a guide, the group toured the thematic exhibition titled "Glorious Achievement, Red Prelude." Walking through each hall, the youth scholars viewed numerous documents and revolutionary artifacts that had previously existed only in textbooks. Through historical photographs, physical objects, and precious video materials, they gained an intuitive understanding of the hardships endured by revolutionary martyrs and the successful gestation of the Great Founding Spirit of the Party. The scholars expressed their commitment to being guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, loving and building the motherland, and integrating the revolutionary spirit of defying danger and bravely shoulder missions into their future scientific research. Associate Researcher Tian Kun, Deputy Head of the Department of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and Deputy Head of the Youth Working Group, organized and presided over this segment of the activity.
(Figure 1: Youth scholars from the Institute of Marxism Studies conducting field research at the Peking University Red Building)
Simultaneously, to effectively improve the quality of applications for the National Social Science Fund of China (NSSFC) Late-stage Grants by the Institute's youth scholars, this "Social Perspective" salon also featured a specialized grant application coaching session. Researcher Lin Jianhua, Deputy Director of the Institute of Marxism Studies, attended and delivered remarks. Researcher Yang Jing, Deputy Director of the Department of Marxist Principles and Head of the Youth Working Group, presided over the opening and coaching segments. Researcher Chen Zhigang, Director of the Department of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, provided closing comments. Associate Researcher Lei Xiaohuan, Deputy Head of the Department of Foreign Marxist Studies and Deputy Head of the Youth Working Group, moderated the exchange and concluding sessions. Over 40 young scholars from the Institute attended.
(Figure 2: The "Social Perspective" Youth Academic Salon activity of the Institute of Marxism Studies)
In his remarks, Deputy Director Lin Jianhua offered guidance for youth development based on the "Six Must-Upholds" [6]. First, uphold the supremacy of the people, conducting scholarship for their benefit. Second, uphold self-confidence and self-reliance, engaging in deep academic cultivation. Third, uphold the fundamentals and break new ground, grasping the evolutionary logic of academic history. Fourth, uphold a problem-oriented approach, driving research through specific inquiries. Fifth, uphold a systems perspective, ensuring long-term academic planning. Sixth, uphold a global vision—and a vision for China—ensuring research possesses breadth and perspective. Additionally, he emphasized that academic research should be pursued as a vocation, requiring strategic thinking. One must specialize, knowing "what to do, what not to do, and what must be done." Furthermore, he stressed the need for team consciousness and strengthened cooperation. He encouraged young scholars to be diligent, build academic foundations, improve execution, and effectively serve the Party and the State.
(Figure 3: Deputy Director Lin Jianhua of the Institute of Marxism Studies delivering remarks)
During the coaching segment for the NSSFC Late-stage Grants, Associate Researcher Ren Limei (Department of Xi Jinping Thought), Associate Researcher Fang Tao (Department of Sinicization of Marxism), Associate Researcher Sun Qiupeng (Department of Marxist Principles), and Assistant Researcher Liu Ying shared their experiences. First, late-stage grants prioritize long-term accumulation; topics should ideally focus on areas of long-term concentration to avoid "single-plank bridge" [7] competition with senior experts and to avoid overly broad or empty titles. Second, projects emphasizing basic research require persistence and the publication of preliminary results. Third, chapter arrangements must be logical and compact, with language that is accurate, concise, and elegant. Participating scholars raised questions and engaged in vigorous discussion with the four mentors.
(Figure 4: The coaching segment for the National Social Science Fund Late-stage Grants)
Finally, Researcher Chen Zhigang summarized the event. He noted: first, youth must treat scholarship as a vocation and avoid "lying flat" [8]; second, they must "write their papers on the soil of the motherland"; third, they must focus on problems and long-term planning. He meticulously guided those applying for grants, reminding them to check their logic, content, and format to ensure no "fatal flaws" and to strive for perfection in every detail.
(Figure 5: Researcher Chen Zhigang providing summary and comments)