National Natural Science Foundation of China logo
Funder ·

National Natural Science Foundation of China

Funds long-term initiatives in science, education, and social impact through public mission-focused grantmaking.

Chinawww.nsfc.gov.cn
Key stats
Annual fundingCN¥38.57B
Programs7
Active grants0
Total grants4
About

NSFC is China's principal peer-review funder of basic research, established in 1986 under the State Council. It funds individual investigators, research groups, and talent programs at Chinese universities and institutions across nine scientific departments — from mathematics and physics through health sciences and a new cross-disciplinary department added in the 2020s.

NSFC operates as a vice-min…

Programs & grants under this funder
NSFC General Program

Supports Flagship NSFC competitive grant for established lead investigators doing basic research across all scientific disciplines.

1 grant
NSFC General Program
Between cycles
— pool
Science Fund for Global Challenges and Sustainability

Supports NEW NSFC umbrella program for international and sustainability-focused research housing RFIS and bilateral program.

NSFC Key Program

Supports Major concentrated-effort grants for high-priority basic research directions program.

NSFC Research Fund for International Scientists (RFIS)

Supports Three-tier NSFC fund for non-Chinese researchers working at mainland Chinese institutions.

1 grant
NSFC Research Fund for International Scientists
Closed
— pool
NSFC Young Scientists Fund (Class C)

Supports the entry-level NSFC track for early-career researchers taking first leadership roles in independent science projects.

1 grant
NSFC Young Scientists Fund (Class C)
Between cycles
— pool
NSFC Young Scientists Fund Class A

Supports Elite NSFC talent award for China's most outstanding young researchers formerly Distinguished Young Scholars top get follow-on.

1 grant
NSFC Young Scientists Fund Class A
Between cycles
— pool
NSFC Young Scientists Fund Class B

Supports Mid-career excellence grant for outstanding young researchers formerly Excellent Young Scientists Fund.

Last verified: 31 May 2026Source: www.nsfc.gov.cn