Scientific Innovation-academician Xu guangxian

● Knowledge innovation has the potential and potential consequences. Therefore, diligent learning, building a knowledge framework, and accumulating a deep foundation, coupled with root-taking, all the curiosity that forces you to ask why is the source of innovation. The former is learning, and the latter is asking. If you do not want to learn, you will be asked. If you do not want to learn, you will be asked. This is innovation.

● If you want to be a scientist, studying hard will be the "boat" of your dream ". But the boat is as fast as an aerospace plane and as slow as a snail. Therefore, diligence must be highly efficient and diligent. Do not be "useless" or "negative ".

● In scientific research, it is easy for careless people to let go of this opportunity when there is always a "desperate" problem. Only scientists with a keen eye and solid foundation can seize it and make major breakthroughs.

● The actual discipline is based on the pyramid, with a wide range of knowledge, but with a high level, that is, your professional knowledge. But a bamboo is not straight, so you have to have some "width" in addition to "height ".

Over the years, I have been exploring ways to innovate scientific research in practice. I have summarized 16 articles. I can tell you that my talent is common, but I can achieve scientific achievements by relying on diligence. Fa mingjia Edison said: Genius = 98% of sweat + 2% of inspiration. 2% of inspiration can also be cultivated with diligence. As long as you work hard, I believe you can become an outstanding scientist.

1. Innovation and knowledge accumulation: the drawer and knowledge framework of the Chinese pharmaceutical store

Innovation must first accumulate knowledge, which is the relationship between innovation and inheritance. I often get sick in my childhood. I went to the Chinese medicine store to catch the Chinese medicine and found that the Chinese medicine was archived in hundreds of drawers. From that time on, I realized that I had to put what I learned in the drawer of my brain and arrange the drawers in order to remember them. In the future, we will gradually form the concept of building a knowledge framework in our own minds. The knowledge framework is the knowledge document tree. The knowledge document tree facilitates knowledge storage and retrieval, memory, connection comparison, analysis, induction, and innovation.

2. innovation chain and innovation tree

Scientific research is a race. The starting point should be at the forefront of scientific research, and the previous knowledge should be taken over. The Graduate tutor is very important. He handed you the baton of the relay race, and you can start at the forefront of scientific research. Newton said: "I am standing on the shoulders of giants, so I can see farther ". This is the relationship between innovation and inheritance.

Since scientific research is a race, every scientific innovation has its own consequences. Linking these causes and consequences constitutes an "innovation chain ". The innovation chain often has branches, so it forms an "Innovation tree ". The method of building an innovation tree can inspire your innovation inspiration and activate your innovative thinking, especially on the branches. You can think about the new path to go?

3 Classification Research

Classification is an important scientific method. Science originally meant learning by science. Example (1) macro classification of animals and plants-portal, outline, category, category, family, subspecies, etc. Example (2) Biological microscopic classification-genetic classification. Example (3) classification of extraction mechanism. Example (4) classification of economic models-liberal capitalism (such as the United States), European capitalism, and socialist market economy with Chinese characteristics.

Things in the world are very complex giant systems. To explore this giant system, we must first classify it to find the rule. One of the major trends in the development of modern science is the finer the discipline. For example, 500 subjects and 5000 subjects in. In 100, it increased by 10 times. There may be 2100 in 50000, 2050 to 20000, and 15000 new disciplines in 50 years. We have at least 3000 Chinese people. You must have the ambition to create 3000 new disciplines.

4 cross-discipline law

The cross-discipline approach is to conduct comparative, analogy, and transplantation research methods between different disciplines, so as to generate new research fields or new disciplines.

"Comparative Method" is a traditional method with a long history and an important logical method in scientific research. There is a branch in the study of linguistics, called "comparative linguistics", that is, to use comparative methods to study the similarities and differences between the two or more languages. There is "Comparative Biology" in biology ". No one's place across disciplines is the Growth Point of innovation.

In comparative linguistics, we can learn from each other and promote the development of local linguistics. For example, crisis in English is a "crisis" in Chinese ". Crisis has two meanings: danger and opportunity. When handled properly, the danger can be turned into an opportunity, while crisis only means danger. There is the word "Learning" in Chinese, which is usually translated as learning, but the latter only has the meaning of learning and has no meaning of asking. When learning, you must learn and ask. If you do not want to learn, you must know what you want. If you do not want to learn, you must know what you want.

5 deployment Method

"Flower shifting can take on wood, and hybridization can innovate". This is a "transplant method" of scientific innovation ". Science can be divided into upper, middle, and lower reaches according to its research objects from simple to complex. Mathematics and physics are upstream, chemistry is midstream, and biology, medicine, and social science are downstream. The objects of upstream scientific research are relatively simple, but the depth of research is very deep. The research objects of downstream science are complex. In addition to the methods of this science, if we borrow theories and methods of upstream science, we can get twice the result with half the effort. Therefore, "The Flowers of upstream science can be connected to the wood of downstream science ".

Example (1) quantum chemistry is a cross-discipline generated by porting the theory and mathematical methods of quantum mechanics to chemistry. American theoretical physicist Cohen and British mathematician popur moved the theory and computational mathematical methods of quantum mechanics to chemistry and solved the computational difficulties in Quantum Chemistry. Therefore, he won the 1998 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Example (2) porting mathematical methods to economics can achieve breakthroughs in economics. Nash was awarded the Nobel Economics Prize in 1994. He moved the flower of Probability Theory in mathematics to economics and proposed the "Game Theory" to predict the trend of macroeconomic development ".

Example (3) Another example of the Innovative Method of the garden-tree method is bionic. For example, the first plane was made by imitating the Dragonfly. The shape of a streamlined jet aircraft and a high-speed train mimic the fish, especially the dolphin's skin has an elastic structure that can absorb energy, so as to eliminate the resistance of the fluid and change the turbulence into a horizontal flow.

Example (4) biological and chemical interactions generate biochemistry, molecular biology, biphysics, and structural biology. Now the era of genomics has arrived, and there is a new cross-discipline between biology and chemistry, that is, the formation of genomics.

6.

There is an idiom in China, called "a pair of thousands of pounds", which is "A Force amplification ". Such as lever, gear, Jack, etc., are widely used in carrying and mechanical engineering. In scientific research, we need to extend a known method to an unknown field as much as possible. This is "innovation ".

Example (1) the invention of the transistor can enlarge the current. In the S and S, it was the heyday of the electronic tube, it has contributed to the invention of radio, radar, electronic computers and V-type missiles. The transistor was invented in 1948, which can also enlarge the current, but the size, weight, and power consumption are all 100-1000times less than the electronic tube. In 1959, integrated circuits were invented, which led to the information revolution in the 20th century.

Example (2) laser invention. The current amplification has had such a significant effect, so people think that the light can also be amplified? In 1954, Thomas first realized the stimulated radiation amplification of microwave. Mayman, a young man who was engaged in Ruby microwave quantum amplifier research in 1960, successfully developed the first ruby laser to achieve stimulated radiation amplification of light waves.

Example (3) Automatic Assembly amplification of chemical synthesis, such as the use of K. Ziegler and G. Natta catalysts, can enable the automatic directed Polymerization of monomer as a polymer. Self-Assembled chemistry is also one of the Developmental Directions of chemistry.

Example (4) amplification of life-from the egg to the development and growth of life, it has developed into a modern cloning technology.

7 Reverse Thinking

In the design of an aircraft, we need to test the relationship between the aircraft's exterior and materials and air resistance during high-speed flight. This kind of test is difficult to perform in the air. So we created a "Wind cylinder" to simulate the flight. This is a reverse thinking method of "doing the opposite", that is, to fix the plane and let the high-speed air flow to the plane, the effect is the same. This is a common laboratory method for wind tunnels used in aerodynamic and aviation technology research. For example, in the design of a ship, you can make a small model, put it in a small sink, and use various velocity to test the resistance of the hull.

8.

In scientific research, it is easy for careless people to let go of this opportunity. Only scientists with a keen eye and solid foundation can seize it and make major breakthroughs.

Example (1) According to the classical genetics, rice is self-flower-based, and cannot be crossbred. Yuan Longping, the father of hybrid rice, also believes this. In the early 1960s s, he found a very strong rice plant in the field. In the second year, he planted it, and the result was disappointing. It was completely different from the plants selected in the previous year, short, long, and short. Just as disappointed, he suddenly experienced a shock: Why is there such a big separation? Only the crossbreed can be separated, and the pure breed will not. He then boldly proposed the assumption that the rice he selected was a natural hybrid rice that overturned the conclusion of classical genetics that rice could not be crossbred. Of course, this is only a bold preliminary assumption, and it is still to be studied hard to cultivate artificial hybrid rice. In order to avoid self-flower pollination, he chose male sterile plants to receive powder and achieved great success, increasing the yield of rice from 300 to 500 in China.

Example (2) What is the essence of light? Is it fluctuation or particle? This problem has been in dispute for more than 200 years. It is difficult to solve each other's problems. At the beginning of the 20th century, we reached the point where we were desperate. This is because people's thinking is restricted by formal logic. Formal Logic answers questions. Einstein jumped out of the box of formal logic and thought that the answer to the question could be "either the other". As a result, "the other village" had reached the perfect realm of innovation. This is his theory of photon proposed in 1905.

9 heaven and earth

Some substances are first discovered by astronomers in the sky, and then the flowers in the sky are transplanted to the earth's human beings by the chemist.

Example (1) in 1868, when astronomy observed the total eclipse, they found a kind

The spectral line of the known atom. This unknown element is named "helium )". 28 years later, the chemist separated the he element gas from the Earth's atmosphere.

Example (2) astronomy uses a radio astronomical telescope to study the molecular rotation spectra and finds dozens of interstellar molecules, one of which is a linear hcin molecule. The chemist smally imagined lightning C in the universe
C; C, with nitrogen and hydrogen in the air, attempting to use a laser or an arc to act on graphite, preparing such compounds on the earth, unexpectedly obtaining a C-60 and winning the Nobel Prize. However, these hcin molecules have not yet been synthesized on the earth.

10 dummies

The first step in innovation is to "raise questions ". Curious questions are often the beginning of innovation. Curiosity is one of the important driving force of scientific development. Therefore, curiosity is also one of the qualities that scientists should possess.

In Example (1) must the sum of the inner angles of a triangle be 180 degrees?

In fact, the sum of the inner angles of a triangle is equal to 180 degrees in the plane, that is, Euclidean. It is found that Earth measurements are carried out using the plane geometry, and there is a deviation when the range is large. This is because the earth is spherical. Three straight lines form a triangle between the three points with a large distance on the earth. The sum of the three inner angles is greater than 180 degrees. This is spherical geometry. Otherwise, the sum of the inner angles of the triangle on the concave surface is less than 180 degrees. Thus, a new discipline is established: non-European ry.

Example (2) is the dimension of a space an integer? For example, one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional space. Can there be a score dimension? This seemingly foolish question has finally evolved into a new science: fragment theory. The dimension of the curved coastline is between one dimension and two dimensions.

11 bold assumptions and careful verification

Hu Shi proposed the scientific method of "bold hypothesis, careful proof" in his archaeological research. I think it can also be used in natural science research, and it is a very important scientific innovation method. If you do not understand why, you may question your teachers, experts, and authority, dare to make bold assumptions, be good at seeking truth from facts, and be careful when verifying your evidence. We recommend that you carefully arrange the experiment to verify your assumptions. There are no more than four experimental results:

(1) prove your assumptions, So I went further to seek new lab proofs. Prove more and more, and the assumption can be developed into theory;

(2) partially negates your assumptions, so you can partially modify your assumptions to improve them;

(3) All your assumptions are rejected, so you can make new assumptions based on the new experiment results;

(4) An unexpected result is returned. For example, from the failure of designing to synthesize a new compound to the discovery of a new structural type. If you are lucky, you may discover new phenomena or new effects, but you must have a keen eye to grasp it.

Therefore, these four possibilities have been learned scientifically. In particular, there may be huge gains.

12 unexpected opportunity Method

Example (1) fleiming found penicillin.

Example (2) X-ray discovery.

Example (3) microwave background radiation of the universe.

13. Inspiration Cultivation

Wang Guowei, a Chinese master, wrote in his CI: "a tall building excludes the greatest truths of Heaven". This is the first realm and the beginning of his studies or research, find the frontier of discipline development as the starting point of your scientific research and innovation. This is the second realm. It is the tense phase of Scientific Research. If you encounter difficulties, you may not know how to solve them. "Looking back, the Iraqi people are in the dark." This is the third realm. When the mountains and waters are exhausted, the inspiration suddenly comes, and you may suddenly look back. The Iraqi people (here refers to the result you want to get, or the solutions and solutions to the difficulties.

There are three inspirations: (1) the importance of opening a question; (2) diligence is the key to success. If you want to be a scientist, hard work is the "boat" of your dream ". But the boat is as fast as an aerospace plane and as slow as a snail. Therefore, diligence must be highly efficient and diligent. Do not be "useless" in "Hot friction", or "negative". 3) in addition to diligence, Innovation, there must also be some inspiration ". When you have "entered the role" in your research, you still encounter problems after "physical and mental investment", and you cannot solve them. In this case, you can forget it and do other jobs with ease and pleasure, you can watch movies, take a walk, or listen to music, and have a good sleep. During sleep, the brain will trigger slow wave processing of knowledge, brewing, and aging for the problems that plague you during the day. When you wake up early, you will often be enlightened. It is said that Kakura realized the hexagonal structure of benzene when it woke up in the morning.

14 Virtual Experiment

Currently, common virtual reality (VR) methods are also one of the "modeling" methods. Propose a theoretical model and use computer virtual reality to obtain expected results. This method is now widely used in scientific research and new technology, for example:

(1) make weather forecasts for recent and mid-term changes to the temperature, humidity, and airflow of the virtual atmosphere;

(2) establish a model to enable virtual Xiaolangdi reservoir to fl the sediment of the Yellow River and provide parameters such as the actual water release time and flow;

(3) the virtual atomic bomb explosion process, instead of the actual explosion experiment, provides the foundation for the atomic bomb design;

(4) In the study of rare earth separation, Peking University used the cascade extraction theory as a model to simulate the shaking funnel experiment with a computer, and obtained the "one-step amplification Expert System" for rare earth process design ", it also promotes applications nationwide.

15 Integrated Approach

System Science is a science produced by proposing issues with commonalities from traditional science. It is the most extensive cross-discipline. If we regard natural science, technical science, and social science as the basis of scientific classification, then system science is a latitude line that spans natural science, technical science, and social science, so it can also be called a cross-section science. It includes system theory, control theory, information theory, dissipation structure theory, non-linear science, collaborators, operations research, chaos theory, fractal theory, sudden change theory, and hypercycle theory. The following uses the control theory as an example to illustrate how it develops.

Control theory is a new discipline formed by linking automatic adjustment, communication engineering, computer technology, neurophysiology, pathology, and other disciplines with mathematics. It was founded in 1948 by the American mathematician Vina. during the Second World War, he accepted the task of developing an air defense and fire control system and tried to use machines to simulate the functions of the human brain. He made a comparative study of the living body and machines and summarized some characteristics of self-motivation. His research also shows that both automated machines, nervous systems, biological systems, and even economic and social systems play a crucial role in system stability. He summed up these ideas. In 1948 he published the book "Control Theory", which defines it as "Science of communication and control on machines and biology ". Qian Xuesen published the book "Engineering Control Theory" in the United States in 1954 and is the founder of this discipline. In the same year, Ashby published "brain design" and established "biological control theory ".

16 is close to the original great innovation of "nothing"

Quantum mechanics and relativity break through the theory and traditional concepts of Newton's classic mechanics at that time and propose new ideas and theoretical innovations. However, even such a major Original Innovation is not completely "out of nothing", but traceable.

Taking quantum mechanics as an example, the first step to achieving this kind of innovation is to "raise scientific questions ". Correctly and keenly Proposing scientific questions is itself a major innovation.

The second step is to have a keen intuition and inspiration, put forward some unprecedented new concepts, and review the concepts in the old theory.

The third step is to create a new basic equation of theory. Since the microscopic particles are the same as the photon, their basic equations of motion should also be similar. Xue Dinge combines the Maxwell electromagnetic wave equation of light with the debroy relation to obtain the basic equation of quantum mechanics, that is, the famous Xue Dinge equation.

The fourth step is to have a profound mathematical foundation. The results that can be tested by experiments can be derived from the basic equations.

Step 5: After the basic equation of a new theory is established, let's look back at the basic assumptions on which the theoretical system is built. The basic assumption requires that the concept of physics should be clear, the expression should be concise, and its experimental foundation should be consolidated, and the fewer the number of items should be better. In this way, we can establish a concise and elegant theoretical system.

Xu guangxian, a famous chemist and an academician of the Chinese Emy of sciences. He is currently a professor and doctoral advisor in the Department of Chemistry at Peking University.

Xu guangxian has been engaged in the teaching and research of Physical Chemistry and inorganic chemistry for a long time, involving quantum chemistry, chemical bond theory, coordination chemistry, extraction chemistry, nuclear fuel chemistry and rare earth science. By summarizing a large amount of literature, this paper proposes a new concept and its definition of quantum chemistry for a more universal (nxc π) format and Atomic Valence, the stability of metallic organic compounds and atomic clusters can be inferred based on the molecular structure. A quantum chemical calculation method suitable for the study of rare earth elements and chemical bond theory is established. A series of quad-core rare earth dioxygen complexes with special structure and performance have been synthesized.

In 2008, Xu guangxian received the China National highest science and technology award.