Zhang Wei [Photo/Dazhong News]

Zhang Wei, director of the Institute of Culture of the Shandong Academy of Social Sciences, was recently featured in several reports for her professional suggestions made for the protection, inheritance and promotion of Yellow River culture.

Zhang led a team to conduct on-the-spot observations and to give expert advice in Heze, Liaocheng, Tai'an, Jinan and other places in East China's Shandong province where they obtained first-hand information, collected data, and consulted related experts and cultural companies.

"We must stay realistic and pragmatic, and strive for excellence," Zhang said. This is the principle she has upheld for 17 years since she began her research career.

By focusing on basic theoretical research, Zhang has so far published nearly 100 academic and theoretical articles in high-level journals such as Chinese Social Sciences Citation Index (CSSCI) source journals and mainstream media above the provincial level. She has also published 10 monographs and edited more than 10 books.

Meanwhile, Zhang has paid equal attention to researching hot topics like the Yellow River culture and canal culture. Every suggestion she put forward has sound statistical support and a solid theoretical foundation, and many of them entered the decision-making process.

Zhang also participated in the writing of the "Cultural China" series of books to help craft popular cultural brands. Under her leadership, the institute of culture completed multiple major scientific research tasks, and won dozens of national, provincial and academy-level awards.

Zhang was elected to attend the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China as a delegate.