7 umagazine issue 18 The vice rector points out that UM research initiatives can be broadly divided into two categories: (1) Basic theoretical research with a primarily academic focus; (2) Applied research with a theoretical foundation which aims to develop innovative outcomes that have a positive impact on society. These research projects have different sources of funding, such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Macao’s own Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT), and the Guangzhou Science Technology and Innovation Commission (GSTIC). For applied research, to get the nod, each project must meet the test of feasibility that delivers tangible benefits to society. In Vice Rector Martins’ view, this requirement is quite reasonable. He says, ‘For society to pour so many resources into projects, if not proven to be of social utility, they will remain forever at the level of pure theory. These funding criteria are now pushing research projects towards a new level. I am happy to say that the university has seen a steady rise in research funding.’ Rich in Research Results, Rich in Technology Transfer Without solid research, there will be no technology transfer. In recent years, UM’s research prowess is reflected in the number of research papers authored by staff and students which are published in international journals. The quantity of published papers has increased from about 144 in 2009 to 1,410 in 2017, an almost tenfold increase over the past eight years. In particular, the output from UM’s two state key labs is most impressive. After seven years, the two 馬許願教授對澳大的科研前景充滿信心 Prof Rui Martins is bullish about UM’s prospects in scientific research labs have won plaudits from both national and international experts, cementing UM’s academic standing in integrated circuits and Chinese medicine, as well as in the incubation of talented researchers. Prof Martins adds that the university’s long years of robust effort have paid off, having chalked up a considerable amount of high-quality research with a sound theoretical footing. UM is now leaning heavily towards applied research projects, some of which have evolved into innovative research that has found favour with industry. UM has gradually come of age and has emerged from the shadow of purely academic journals. To date, UM has been granted 63 patents in mainland China, the United States, and other regions, with quite a few of them attracting enquiries from national and overseas corporations. Some have even resulted in cooperation agreements and are gearing up for the production stage. ‘Our research personnel are intoxicated by their work,’ says the vice rector. ‘From conceptualisation to implementation, they began at zero. Every step of the way has not been easy. But now finally, we have arrived at a stage where our research results can be transferred.’
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