The Open Collaborative Program Center (OCPC) stands as a pivotal division within Macao Scientific Publishers, dedicated to fostering international scientific and technological exchanges and collaborations. Its overarching objective is to facilitate interactions and partnerships among adolescents, young scientists, and startups through collaborative initiatives, with the ultimate goal of nurturing the next generation of scientific and technological innovators. Funding for OCPC emanates from a dedicated special fund established by the publishing house. In adherence to principles of transparency, openness, and equity, we are steadfast in our commitment to gradually cultivating a science and technology fund of considerable influence. We earnestly seek support from all segments of society to collaboratively drive the advancement of the emerging generation of scientific and technological talents. OCPC's focus areas encompass:
The fundamental purpose of OCPC is to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among emerging scientists, with a primary focus on the following objectives: Firstly, through collaborative project initiatives, OCPC aims to facilitate interactions among young professionals hailing from diverse geographical regions and differing contexts. This collaborative approach encourages the exchange of scientific insights and technological expertise, elevates the caliber of youth-oriented science outreach endeavors, and places special emphasis on funding initiatives targeting knowledge exchange and youth-led science and technology initiatives in economically disadvantaged and less developed areas. Secondly, OCPC seeks to unite youthful researchers across varying geographic and contextual backgrounds, channeling their collective efforts into joint scientific and technological research undertakings. Adhering to the principle of mutual complementarity, this initiative prioritizes the allocation of funds to research projects characterized by synergistic collaboration and rapid research cycles. It's important to note that OCPC projects necessitate joint applications from a minimum of two collaborating parties, a manifestation of the underlying principles of mutual complementarity and collaborative support. Applicants have the flexibility to identify potential collaborators based on shared research interests. Alternatively, they can leverage the OCPC project database to identify projects and partners of interest. Subsequent to identifying suitable partners, both parties will formalize their collaboration through a mutually agreed-upon cooperation agreement, which serves as the foundation for a joint application to OCPC projects. In cases where an applicant lacks a prospective partner, the OCPC project library serves as a temporary repository for pre-defined projects, specifically designed to expedite the matching process for collaborative endeavors. This approach is particularly beneficial for swiftly aligning like-minded collaborators.
OCPC promotes the principles of complementary strengths and free selection in project initiation. It is precisely with the aim of assisting young researchers who may have limited resources and less research experience to quickly embark on the path of scientific research through collaborative projects. Currently, there is a scarcity of research projects led by various levels of government departments in the field of science and technology, resulting in a severe Matthew effect. Young scientists with limited platforms and qualifications face significant challenges when applying for approval. Therefore, applying for OCPC projects offers the following advantages:
1. Offering an excellent platform: OCPC provides a third-party collaborative platform for research cooperation;
2. Mutual assistance in scientific research: Collaboration between parties involves the complementary use of strengths, facilitating mutual learning and growth;
3. Achievements publicity: OCPC offers a platform to showcase research outcomes and provides certificates to acknowledge achievements in scientific research.
The OCPC Project represents an international development cooperation initiative established under the auspices of MOSP in Macau. The project's financial corpus is self-sustained and administered by the publishing house. Designed as a vehicle for advancing societal well-being, the OCPC Project extends an open invitation for international participation. Notably, OCPC projects provide comprehensive legal compliance certification, encompassing project approval, final reporting, and results exhibition; exemplary achievements qualify for a distinction certificate. Presently, this initiative holds the status of a horizontal subject within mainland China. Entities ranging from groups to enterprises have the opportunity to collaboratively conceive and undertake specialized cooperative endeavors alongside OCPC. The instigator of such collaborative projects will formulate the guidelines for joint ventures, with OCPC shouldering project management responsibilities. For instance, an enterprise grappling with an internal technical challenge may collaboratively initiate a project centered around that technology in conjunction with OCPC, with determined funding parameters. In a parallel scenario, a science and technology association could receive sponsorship from a prominent enterprise to co-initiate OCPC projects addressing specific topics. We enthusiastically welcome social organizations and enterprises to harness the OCPC platform to spearhead collaborative projects, thereby surmounting diverse scientific and technological quandaries and championing the endeavors of young scientists.
OCPC projects do not predefine research content. Applicants are free to define project themes and plans, categorized into two groups: Youth Science and Technology Activities, which must include tangible exhibits; Young Scientific Exploration encompassing fields like Life Sciences, Artificial Intelligence, Environmental Conservation, Microelectronics, and Emerging Materials. Eligibility: Applicants for Youth Group projects must be under 18 years old, while Young Group applicants must be within 35 years. No restrictions on collaborating partners. Collaboration Agreement: Submission of a collaboration agreement outlining roles and plans is required. Application Process: Download the application form from the official website, complete it accurately, attach necessary supporting documents, and email them to ocpc@mospbs.com. Review period is approximately 30 business days. Timeframe: No restrictions.