ThinkTank Research Center for Health Development
-A New Explorer
in Health Research Arena
ThinkTank Research Center for Health Development ( ThinkTank
for Health, TTH) is at a time when the reform of research system
in China has become increasingly urgent in light of deepening
economic restructure and changing government functions. The Center
was jointly initiated by senior science leaders and young entrepreneurs
to respond to the reform of health research system and to explore
a new approach in this respect, among whom prominent personages
are Prof. Chen Chunming ( the first president of the Chinese Academy
of Preventive Medicine, ), Prof. Wang Kean ( the third president
of the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine ), Dr. Xiao Ziren
( former director of the Department of Science and Technology,
MOH ) and Mr. Wu Xiaodong ( Beijing Weixiao Biotech Development
Corporation, Ltd ). As a private research organization, it completely
follows a new concept, a new mechanism and a new model of operation
and is now formally licensed by the Chinese Ministry of Civil
Affairs. Supported and endorsed by Ministry of Health, Ministry
of Science and Technology, Ministry of Civil Affairs and other
government agencies, its establishment represents the need of
development of socialist market economy and also a new experiment
of reforming scientific research system .
Objective
Aiming at serving health of the public, TTH commits itself to
the promotion of new concepts, new technology and new methodologies
in health areas.
Missions
l Exploring new model of development: Rather than a governmental
institution, TTH is a private non-profit research establishment,
which will define its research orientations and plans in an independent
manner in the context of overall programs of the central government
for national social and economic development ,as well as the needs
of the people to improve their health standards and quality of
life.
l Opening up new broader space to play its specific roles: As
a private research organization, TTH is able of actively unfolding
international scientific exchanges and cooperation in health areas
by creating wide channels for collaboration with private sectors
, thus stimulating progress and development of health undertakings
in this country as a whole.
l Exploring new approaches to human resource development: Although
it does not employ a large body of professional staff by itself,
TTH could give full play to the potential of external scientists
and researchers within its talent bank and develop nationwide
scientific resources in a more rational way ;members of its strong
expert panels and advisory groups may provide powerful technical
back-ups for the Center by taking advantage of their knowledge
, experience and wide international ties .
l Testing new mode of operation: By raising funds through multiple
channels, such as undertaking contracts of research projects,
developing domestic and overseas collaboration, offering project
appraisal and counseling services , receiving donation of public
good, mediating technology transfer and disseminating scientific
achievements, TTH may break away traditional mode of operation
and financing and initiate a new approach focusing on needs of
the people and providing highly efficient services for the whole
society.
l Exploring new scientific and technical methodologies: TTH will
do its outmost to develop enthusiasm and creativeness of specialists
working in related disciplines; standing on the frontline of science
and technology of the new century and persisting in blazing new
trails and development it will make unremitting efforts to explore
new techniques and methods of promoting health and improving quality
of life of the whole nation.
l Exploring new pattern of multi-dimensional services: From the
perspective of experts, TTH will offer scientific evidences and
proposals for policy making to government departments concerned
, introduce, disseminate and transfer scientific achievements
to enterprises, share new concepts and progresses in science and
technology with domestic and oversea counterparts, and also popularize
new knowledge and healthy life styles to the public; it will make
every possible efforts to bridge over the communication and cooperation
among government agencies, research institutions, universities,
enterprises, non-government organizations and individual scientists.
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Organizational Structure
Specific Professional Activities
1. Conducting developmental health-related researches, project
appraisal and counseling.
2. Undertaking research contracts, and pursuing international
cooperation and exchanges in areas of health.
3. Providing health- related technical advices and services for
enterprises, mediating technology transfer and assessment, including
services related with product licenses, technical justification
and assessment of products to be developed, and introduction of
new products and information services.
4. Working on health- related product research and deve
lopment, as well as disseminating and transferring research achievements.
5. Conducting health- related technical training and scientific
seminars and workshops.
6. Advocating and disseminating general scientific knowledge related
to health.
In its professional activities TTH sticks to the concept taking
the people as the center, as well as to scientific thinking, scientific
spirit, scientific attitude and scientific methodology.
