Yunnan University (YNU) Professor Zhang Hucai will soon be working from a new research office specially built for him in Chengjiang county, Yunnan province.

Professor Zhang, who works at YNU’s Institute for Ecology and Pollution Treatment of High-plateau Lakes is a recognized professional in the field of high-plateau lake research.

The move is a great example of YNU’s initiative to promote local development at the grass-roots level by sending out experts to conduct field research off campus.

It also aids the provincial government in developing the economy through the sharing of academic expertise across the province.

According to the provincial government, it will help its counties set up two or more such research offices by providing financial support for three consecutive years. 

The government has also decreed that county-level governments should offer work areas with comprehensive facilities to experts for free, as well as helping with the selection of appropriate academics to staff them.

Researchers based at the offices will receive 90 percent of total revenues generated from their scientific achievements if their findings are transformed into usable products in the area where their office is based.