On December 28, the National Office for Philosophy and Social Sciences unveiled the “2023 National Social Science Foundation Major Project Approval List”. Included in this prestigious list is a project led by Professor Liu Baojun from the School of Literature, Journalism, and Communication, titled “Study on the Relationship between the Chu Language and the Formation of Southern China’s Linguistic Patterns”. SCMU has received approval for an unprecedented four major projects and 31 diverse national-level social science projects this year, marking an unparalleled achievement in the university’s history.

These major projects, funded by the National Social Science Foundation, represent the pinnacle of humanities and social sciences research in China, known for their substantial funding and profound societal impact. Aligned with Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and embodying the spirit of the 20th Party Congress, these projects are integral to the initiative of accelerating the development of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics, as emphasized by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. Aimed at bolstering and guiding the growth of China’s unique philosophy and social sciences, these projects focus on strengthening academic disciplines, building robust academic and discourse systems, and producing landmark academic and cultural research. They are committed to constructing an independent Chinese knowledge system, fostering innovation in knowledge, theory, and methodology, and serving the broader objectives of the Party and the nation, thereby enriching and advancing philosophy and social sciences.

SCMU’s Institute for Scientific Research and Development has in recent years concentrated on structured research, particularly emphasizing the theme of building a shared Chinese national identity. Driven by the major projects of the National Social Science Foundation, the institute has relentlessly pursued reforms, development, and transformative upgrades in research, leading to exceptional progress in research quality. The consistent and remarkable success of SCMU in securing National Social Science Foundation major projects has significantly bolstered the university’s endeavors in moral education, academic discipline development, cultural preservation, and community service.

Edited by Liu Qiong, Reviewed by Lei Changsheng