The National Natural Science Fundation of China

Abstract

The natural science funding system was implemented in the early 80s of the past century as a result of the reform on the scientific and technological structures in China. It was started in 1981 when 89 members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences proposed to set up a national fund for natural sciences, which was then endorsed by the Chinese government. Under the special care of Deng Xiaoping, the State Council approved in February 1986 the establishment of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) to manage the national natural science fund. The main responsibility of NSFC is in accordance with the guiding principles, policies, and plans for the development of science and technology in China, and through the appropriate management of the national natural science fund from the central government, it aims to support basic research and some of applied research, identify and foster talented researchers in the realm of science and technology, accelerate the progress of science and technology, and promote the socioeconomic development in China. The creation of the national natural science fund and the establishment of its administrative organization marked the beginning of the science funding system that transformed from a central planning system to a competitive one, compliant with the socialist market economy in China. Since its founding, NSFC has been following the rules of the development of basic research, exploring ways of supporting basic research compatible with the socialist market economy, and giving its best to create a good environment for fountainhead innovation and the development of innovative culture with distinctive features of the science funding system.