Recently, a resume claiming that a 16-year-old student, He Mou, has become the “Senior Director of the Youth Science Research Studio of the China Association for Science and Technology” (CAST) has drawn attention in China’s scientific community. The resume also states that He is a member of the “Chinese Astronautics Society,” “Chinese Society of Biotechnology,” and “Chinese Society of Mechanical Engineering.”
In response, a representative from CAST clarified in an interview with The Paper that no such studio exists under their organization and that He has no affiliation with CAST.
According to information provided by internet users, The Paper’s reporters discovered a website labeled “Copyright by the China Association for Science and Technology,” where the student, claiming to study at Panyu Affiliated High School of Southern University of Science and Technology in Guangzhou, stated in the work experience section that he became the “Senior Director of the Youth Science Research Studio,” and claimed to be the studio’s “founder, director, and chief engineer.”
The website indicates that He was born in December 2008 and hails from Hubei Province.
Additionally, a WeChat public account named “Li Province Youth Scientific Research Activities Little Horn” published an article introducing He, stating: “Male, born December 28, 2008, in Guangzhou, Guangdong. Currently the total director and chief engineer of the Youth Science Research Studio of CAST, a researcher at Guangdong Experimental Middle School Liwan, and a member of the Chinese Astronautics Society, Chinese Society of Biotechnology, and Chinese Society of Mechanical Engineering.”
The article further claims that He has completed the design of a pneumatic extrusion engineering plan (aerospace-related) and published several papers in national journals. It also states that he designed the “Exploration No. 1” series of launch vehicles and participated in the “8th Combustion Engine Technology Exchange Conference” and the “2024 China Aerospace Conference.” In June 2024, he participated in the “Dreaming of Aerospace: Advancing in the Bay Area” youth exchange activity for overseas Chinese from Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. The article mentions that he was awarded the senior professional title in January 2024.
In addition to He, the public account article also introduces profiles of others with “associate senior” titles, such as Li Mou and Tan Mou.
While some netizens are amazed by He’s achievements and express concern about the pressure placed on their own children, others have questioned the authenticity of He’s resume.
On November 14, staff from CAST’s office confirmed in a phone interview that there is no “Youth Science Research Studio” under CAST and that there has never been a process for awarding senior professional titles for such a studio. Another worker from the CAST Youth Science Center also confirmed that no “Youth Science Research Studio” has ever been established and that they have never heard of the 16-year-old director, He.
Regarding the Guangdong Experimental Middle School Liwan, which He claims to be affiliated with, a staff member stated that they have never recruited a 16-year-old researcher. Staff from the Panyu Affiliated High School of Southern University of Science and Technology also mentioned that they are unaware of any students or teachers at their school involved in the design of launch vehicles.
This incident highlights the ongoing concerns over the credibility of claims made by young individuals in the scientific community, prompting further scrutiny and verification from educational and scientific institutions.