Abstract:

The increasing reliance of scientific research on resources and technology has intensified the dual tensions between institutionalized collaboration and individual free exploration, as well as between national strategies and academic autonomy. Despite being profoundly constrained by macro-institutional frameworks, university scientists play an indispensable role in the era of big science through their rational choices grounded in agency. During the establishment, transformation, and upgrading phases of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University scientists primarily served as proactive agents, game-changers, and integrators. The multifaceted roles of university scientists follow an operational logic that encompasses: the embeddedness of academic authority within national scientific institutions; the advantageous coupling of academic capital and administrative capabilities, and the coexistence of values pursuing academic freedom while serving national missions. To strengthen the roles of university scientists in the era of big science, viable pathways include: granting university researchers advisory rights in decision-making, enabling open sharing of large scientific facilities, maintaining academic freedom and autonomy under government oversight, leveraging the talent-aggregating function of organized research models, and building inclusive and efficient global scientific collaboration networks. To foster the sustained emergence of scientists within China's universities, it is essential to ground our approach in real-world challenges and explore practical solutions.

Key words: Big Science, university scientists, role, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University