On March 26, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (hereinafter referred to as the NSFC) convened its ninth committee's second plenary session in Beijing.
According to information disclosed during the meeting, in 2023, a total of 318,306 project applications from 2,401 affiliated units were received, marking an increase of 11,368 from the previous year, up by 3.7%. After rigorous evaluation, the NSFC selected and funded 52,547 projects from 1,572 affiliated units, with a total funding of approximately 31.879 billion CNY, successfully fulfilling its annual funding objectives.
Yin Hejun, Secretary of the Party Group and Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology, attended the meeting and delivered a speech. He emphasized that 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and is a critical year for achieving the goals of the "14th Five-Year Plan." The NSFC should fully leverage the unique role of scientific funds, focus on original innovation, encourage and support scientists to explore unknown fields freely, achieve breakthroughs in forward-looking basic research and leading original achievements, strengthen the guarantee of basic research conditions, encourage joint efforts among research institutions, universities, and enterprises, and systematically develop scientific instruments and equipment. Furthermore, he called for the improvement of a diverse investment mechanism, the optimization and strengthening of joint funds, the integration of national advantageous scientific and technological resources, and the enhancement of overall efficiency in scientific and technological innovation.
Dou Xiankang, member of the Party Group of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Secretary of the Party Group of the NSFC, and Director, presented the work report of the plenary session. He stated that in 2024, the NSFC will adhere to the principles of goal orientation and free exploration, with a focus on enhancing the quality of scientific fund management. Emphasizing originality and encouraging free exploration, efforts will be made to continuously improve the talent funding system, strengthen the management of applied basic research funding, initiate the operation of an international scientific research funding department, and sustain a healthy research environment. Resources will be directed towards frontline researchers with the most innovative vitality, continuously reinforcing the main channel function of supporting basic and applied basic research, promoting high-quality development of basic research, and consolidating the foundation of self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology.
