China offers 15-year research grants to the world’s brightest young scientists

China is providing young scientists with generous 15-year research grants, as the nation strives to become a global leader in scientific advancement. Dou Xiankang, director of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), an organization responsible for funding basic research, announced a selection of exceptional researchers under the age of 35 for this long-term financial assistance.

These young scientists will be evaluated based solely on their continuous presence in the laboratory over the 15-year period, without any short-term performance reviews. In its first year alone, 44 scientists were chosen, including nine from overseas and more than 30 from within China. The support will progressively increase, with funding doubling after the first five years and again after the next five years.

NSFC's bold initiative aims to inspire and mobilize the enthusiasm and creativity of China's most innovative and dynamic individuals, fostering a new generation of scientists who can drive the nation's scientific progress. The country's academic system has traditionally concentrated resources among a small number of senior researchers, leaving younger academics to compete fiercely for funding.

In response, the NSFC director has been focusing on reallocating resources towards younger researchers since taking office in April 2023. He emphasized that China is in a phase of rapid technological development and needs to channel substantial funding towards its brightest young talent. In the inaugural year, nearly 90% of the lead researchers on NSFC-funded projects were young people, with 75% of the funding awarded to those under 45.

Moreover, the NSFC is expanding its efforts to attract top young scientists from abroad by extending its funding program for a second round, potentially targeting US-based researchers struggling with budget constraints.