On April 30, the Department of Human Resources and Social Security of Hubei Province, the Hubei Provincial Committee of the Communist Youth League of China, and Hubei Youth Federation announced a commendation awarding the "Income Distribution and Common Prosperity" Research Team of the Center for International Cooperation and Disciplinary Innovation of Income Distribution and Public Finance (111 Center) the 2025 Hubei Youth May Fourth Medal.
The research team comprises a total of 60 members, including 46 young individuals under the age of 35, making up 77% of the team. It is among the first national-level innovation and talent introduction teams in the field of finance in China. Since its establishment in 2017, the team has consistently upheld a vision and mission centered on achieving excellence in academia, fostering first-class think tanks, and nurturing top-tier talent. It has conducted in-depth research on critical issues such as fiscal and economic policies and income distribution and common prosperity strategies in national and regional development. The team is dedicated to advancing high-quality economic and social development, enhancing the people's well-being, and cultivating leading innovative talent.
With strong scientific research capabilities, mature social service models, and innovative talent cultivation mechanisms domestically and even globally, the young research team is dedicated to scientific research. Over the past five years, it has undertaken six major national research projects and more than 40 other national projects. It has published over 70 papers in top-notch newspapers and periodicals such as Social Sciences in China, Economic Research Journal, Journal of Management World, People's Daily, and Review of Economics and Statistics. Focusing closely on social needs, the team has completed more than 30 decision-making and consulting projects commissioned by the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, the Office of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee (the Office of the Central Rural Work Leading Group), the Ministry of Finance, and other government agencies. It has supported heads-of-state diplomacy and attended the 8th BRICS Young Scientist Forum and made keynote reports. The team has innovated the talent cultivation model, presided over the compilation of the Public Finance of China, one of the first Chinese economics textbooks, and contributed to the development of textbooks under the Marxist Theory Research and Development Project of the Ministry of Education, such as Development Economics and Introduction to Social Security. For eight consecutive years, it has collaborated with various levels of Communist Youth League committees to conduct the "Understanding China" series of practical surveys among college students. The team has also optimized the development of its talent pool, comprising PhD graduates and postdoctoral fellows from renowned domestic and international universities such as Tsinghua University and Stanford University. More than 30% of the team members have participated in overseas academic visits or secondments to national ministries and commissions. To date, the team has earned over 20 significant honors, including the second prize of the National Teaching Achievement Award in Higher Education (Undergraduate), the second prize of the Outstanding Scientific Research Achievements of Higher Education Institutions (Humanities and Social Sciences), the Development Research Award of the Hubei Provincial CPC Committee and People's Government, and the first prize of the Outstanding Achievement Award in Social Sciences.
Liu Erpeng, Researcher of the 111 Center:
The survey on income distribution among Chinese residents has been conducted continuously for 12 years. It has provided over 10,000 students with the opportunity to witness the dynamic development of the motherland firsthand — from rural fields and factory workshops to urban high-rise buildings. Their aspiration to serve the nation and the people has taken root and flourished. Over the past 12 years, the senior, middle-aged, and younger generations within the team have consistently pushed forward, with numerous achievements earning recognition from key leaders of the central government. Behind these remarkable achievements lie the expectations of the nation and the people, as well as a genuine reflection of the unwavering dedication and hard work of the young individuals at Zhongnan University of Economics and Law.
The university has consistently prioritized moral education as its fundamental mission, placing great emphasis on nurturing young talent and recognizing exemplary role models. Looking ahead, the university remains committed to fostering the growth of young individuals, inspiring teachers and students to embrace responsibility and strive for excellence. The goal is to serve the nation through academic pursuits, align with the needs of the people, and drive progress through innovation. The university will encourage its community to dedicate themselves to key initiatives, contributing significantly to national strategies and fostering high-quality development.