To ensure the scientific rigor, objectivity, fairness, and accuracy of science and technology novelty search work, and to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of all parties involved, applicants are requested to submit novelty search applications to this Novelty Search Workstation in accordance with the following requirements:

1.Please download the “Science and Technology Novelty Search Contract” from the Download Center.

2.Complete the draft of the “Science and Technology Novelty Search Contract.”

1)The contract should be completed by the project leader or a researcher who has a comprehensive understanding of the project.

2)Project title: The title should be consistent with that stated in the project proposal or appraisal document.

3)Purpose of the novelty search: This may include project approval novelty search, technology tracking, achievement novelty search, new product appraisal, award application, etc. Please specify the project level in detail, such as application for a national “973 Program,” a National Science and Technology Support Program, or a provincial/municipal/district science and technology project.

4)Scientific and technical key points of the project: Provide a concise overview of the project’s technical field, background technology, technical problems to be addressed, proposed technical solutions, main technical features, technical effects, and application of results. Generally, according to different novelty search purposes, this may include:

a.Project approval novelty search: Summarize the domestic and international research background, the main scientific and technical content to be studied, the problems to be solved, and the specific objectives (indicators) and level to be achieved.

b.Scientific research projects: Briefly explain the background and development trends of the relevant field, and clarify the research significance, academic level, main innovations, and advantages.

c.Development projects (products or technologies): Describe their purpose(s) and functions; introduce the main processes (technical combinations), components, and performance indicators that reflect their technical level; compare parameters with similar domestic and international products; and indicate the scale achieved (pilot test, intermediate test, or industrialized production) and benefits.

d.Projects applying for science and technology achievement awards: Explain the domestic and international background, basic principles and technical indicators, the level achieved compared with similar research, the economic and social benefits generated, and the prospects for promotion and application.

5)Novelty search points: These refer to the technical innovation points that need to be verified (generally no more than three per project). Please label them as 1, 2, 3, and list them item by item.

6)Novelty search requirements: Whether identical or similar research exists domestically and/or internationally; domestic and/or international scientific and technical literature related to the project; and any other requirements proposed by the applicant.

7)Search terms: Keywords (including standardized terms, synonyms, abbreviations, and related terms) should be extracted from the scientific and technical key points and should be commonly used terms in the relevant discipline. For chemical substances, in addition to chemical names, please provide trade names, common names, molecular formulas, structural formulas, and CAS Registry Number whenever possible.

8)References: Background materials closely related to the project, including domestic and international scientific and technological literature and related materials (authors, titles, journal names, year, volume, issue, and pages should be provided as completely as possible), for reference during the novelty search process (to be properly kept by the workstation and returned after completion).

9)Contact information: Include the names of the person in charge and the contact person, mailing address, telephone number, and email address.

3. Submit the “Science and Technology Novelty Search Contract.”

The electronic version should  be  submitted via chaxin@library.ecnu.edu.cn, or a hard copy  be submitted in person to the offices of  Novelty Search Workstation at either of the two campuses.

4. Review of the draft contract

After receiving the draft contract, the Novelty Search Workstation will review it and determine  the application status. Projects deemed acceptable must sign a formal Novelty Search Contract.

5. Signing the novelty search contract

Contracts are signed in Room C105 of the Putuo Campus Library. Please bring relevant technical materials, such as research reports, summary reports, related literature, published papers, and applied patents. These materials will be properly and confidentially stored at the workstation and may be returned upon completion. The contract is made in duplicate and comes into effect upon both parties’ seals.

6. Cooperation required from the applicant

To ensure the timely and effective completion of the novelty search report, applicants are requested to cooperate as follows:

1)Provide truthful, complete, and accurate materials required for the novelty search:

• For project approval novelty search: project application documents and main references, etc.;

• For achievement appraisal novelty search: project research reports and technical reports, etc.;

• For award application novelty search: project application documents and related award materials (to be properly and confidentially kept by the workstation and returned after completion).

2)During the novelty search process, if the search staff raise  questions regarding unclear issues, applicants are requested to provide timely clarification and active communication to ensure smooth progress.

3)Once the content of the novelty search contract is confirmed, it may not be changed arbitrarily. If changes to major project content, technical performance indicators, or novelty search points are necessary, the applicant should promptly contact the workstation. The commission period will be recalculated from the date of modification, and additional modification fees may be charged if necessary.

4)If the applicant requires early access to the novelty search report, this must be negotiated with the search staff at the time of application. The request may be handled as an expedited case, and expedited fees shall be charged according to regulations. To ensure quality, this workstation reserves the right to decline applications requiring less than 2 working days for domestic searches or less than 4 working days for combined domestic and international searches.