1. Submitting a Novelty Search Request

Applicants are required to carefully read the Instructions for Novelty Search Requests and Complete the Science and Technology Novelty Search Contract (Domestic / Domestic & International). The contract must be completed by the project leader or a researcher who has a comprehensive understanding of the project.

Each novelty search project involves a series of procedures, including literature retrieval, reading, screening, organization, comparative analysis, and the formal issuance of a novelty search report. Under normal circumstances, a domestic novelty search takes 5 working days, while a domestic and international novelty search takes 10 working days. During peak periods, the processing time may be extended accordingly.

Applicants are therefore advised to submit their requests as early as possible.

2. Literature Retrieval

1)Topic Analysis. Novelty search staff will communicate with the applicant to conduct an in-depth analysis of the novelty points and key scientific or technical elements of the project, clarify the purpose and specific requirements of the search, understand the project details, and determine the search focus, keywords, and search strategy.

2)Search Strategy Testing. The novelty search staff will conduct trial searches using various databases or international online systems. Based on the results, the final databases and search strategies will be determined.

3)Formal Search. The novelty search staff will conduct searches in international and, domestic online systems, and relevant databases.

3. Preparation of the Novelty Search Report

1)Obtaining Necessary Original Literature and Materials. Some retrieved documents may contain only titles or abstracts that do not clearly indicate their relevance to the novelty search topic. In such cases, the full-text original literature must be obtained for comparative analysis.

2)Comparative Analysis. The technical key points (novelty points) of the project will be compared one by one with the retrieved relevant literature to analyze the novelty of the project, and a final novelty conclusion will be drawn.

3)Drafting the Novelty Search Report. Based on the retrieval results and comparative analysis, the novelty search staff will draft the novelty search report.

4)Review of the Novelty Search Report. The novelty search report must be reviewed and approved by a reviewer with a senior professional title. If issues are identified, the report will be returned for re-search and revision, and resubmitted for review until approval is granted.

5)Signatures and Official Seal. The novelty search report becomes valid only after it is signed by both the novelty search staff and the reviewer, and stamped with the official seal of the novelty search station.

4. Collection of the Report and Payment

According to the regulations of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Education, novelty search services are fee-based. Applicants must pay the full novelty search fee when collecting the report.

Download Center

1. Science and Technology Novelty Search Contract (Domestic) 

2. Science and Technology Novelty Search Contract (Domestic & International)

3. Feedback Form for Novelty Search Opinions and Suggestions

Fee Standards

1. Novelty Search Fees

Basic Fees

ECNU Users: RMB 1,000 for domestic and international novelty search; RMB 500 for domestic novelty search.

Non-ECNU users: RMB 1,400 for domestic and international novelty search; RMB 700 for domestic novelty search.

Additional Fee Information

• Under normal circumstances, domestic novelty searches take 5 working days, and domestic and international novelty searches take 10 working days. For urgent requests, an additional fee of RMB 50 will be charged.

• Addition or modification of novelty points. Each project should generally include 1 to 3 novelty points. Once confirmed, novelty points should not be modified arbitrarily. If addition or modification is necessary, an extra fee will be charged for each added or modified novelty point: RMB 100 for domestic novelty search; RMB 200 for domestic and international novelty search. The processing time will also be extended accordingly.

• Midway cancellation. If the applicant cancels the request after the project has been accepted and literature retrieval has been completed, 50% of the total fee will be charged. If the novelty search report has already been completed, the full fee will be charged.

• Additional hard copies. Two original hard copies of the novelty search report are provided for each project. If additional copies are requested in advance, RMB 20 per copy will be charged; if requested after issuance, RMB 50 per copy will be charged.

• Electronic version. If a scanned electronic version of the novelty search report is required, RMB 10 per copy will be charged.

• Courier service. If mailing is required, reports will be sent via SF Express, with postage paid upon delivery.

2. Payment Methods

Non- ECNU users: bank transfer or cash payment

ECNU users: bank transfer only

Bank Transfer Information for Non-ECNU Users:

Account Name: East China Normal University

Account Number: 1001247209026260113

Bank: Shanghai Jinshajiang Road Branch, ICBC

Bank Code: 102290024724

Payment Reference: Novelty Search Fee

Bank Transfer by ECNU Users:

Please complete the internal payment voucher (including: project number, with a budget for literature retrieval fees, payment amount, affiliated school/department, and payer’s name). After the project leader signs and stamps it with the financial seal of the affiliated school/department, the payment voucher should be submitted to the Science and Novelty Search Station.