On the afternoon of June 24, the College of Art and Design held the 14th Young Art Pioneer Academic Salon in the Second Conference Room of the Main Building. Professor Yao Wei of the College of Economics and Management delivered the featured presentation. Vice Dean Cang Shijian, senior faculty and early-career faculty attended. Xu Shouchao, an early-career faculty member, moderated the event.

Drawing on his research and grant application experience, Yao discussed project proposals, academic papers, policy recommendations, team building, research awards and academic exchange. He explained how to define topics for programs such as the National Social Science Fund of China, prepare proposals, and write and submit papers to high-quality journals.

Yao also used examples of think-tank work to explain how authoritative data, representative cases and field research can support practical policy recommendations on industry and regional issues.

On team building and academic visibility, he discussed research team development, faculty-student collaboration, applications for research awards and external academic exchange. He encouraged faculty to participate in conferences, inter-university collaboration and academic communication.

Participants asked questions about project topics in cultural and creative design, intangible cultural heritage, Grand Canal culture and fashion design, as well as entry points for policy reports and interdisciplinary research. Yao responded with suggestions tailored to design research.

In concluding remarks, Vice Dean Cang Shijian said the session covered key stages of research and could help early-career faculty clarify directions and strengthen research skills. He said the college would continue to use the salon for regular interdisciplinary exchange and to support high-quality research in the context of new liberal arts and new design.

The Young Art Pioneer Academic Salon supports faculty development and the integration of teaching and research. The college plans to continue exchanges focused on research capability and disciplinary development.