To enhance the quality of National Natural Science Foundation project applications, clarify the application process, and address common challenges in proposal writing, the School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering held a national-level project application salon on the afternoon of October 31st. The event took place in Conference Room 8B604 of the Transportation Building, targeting the 2026 funding year. Organized by the Department of Mechanical Design, the salon featured Professor Peng Linfa from the School of Mechanical Engineering and Power Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, who shared his grant application experience. Attendees included Vice Dean Wang Dazhong, Department Head Zhang Xu, and all faculty members involved in the application process. Zhang Xu presided over the event.
Vice Dean Wang Dazhong emphasized that the National Natural Science Foundation is not only crucial for project approval but also serves as a key indicator of a university's research capabilities and faculty academic level. He noted that the guidance session aimed to tackle application challenges, enhance proposal quality, and strengthen the college's competitiveness in the upcoming funding round.
Professor Peng Linfa shared his grant application experience, highlighting the importance of conducting in-depth research. He stressed the value of hands-on involvement, building on prior work, and defining clear research directions for the next 3–5 years as the foundation for high-quality proposals. He also provided a systematic breakdown of key application components, including project rationale, research status, content, and technical routes. The participating faculty engaged actively in discussions, fostering a dynamic and enthusiastic atmosphere. Following the session, Professor Peng reviewed and provided constructive feedback on the draft proposals of four teachers, identifying key issues and committing to follow up on their revisions for continuous improvement.
The event effectively addressed many of the faculty's concerns regarding grant applications and provided a clear direction for future efforts. Moving forward, the Department of Mechanical Design will continue to invite experts from various fields to support teachers through specialized guidance, experience sharing, and peer discussions, further enhancing the quality and competitiveness of grant proposals.
