In the early 1980s, 89 academicians of Chinese Academy of Sciences jointly wrote to the CPC Central Committee and the State Council to promote the reform of China's science and technology system and change the allocation of scientific research funds.

Subsequently, under the cordial care of Comrade Deng Xiaoping, the State Council approved the establishment of the National Natural Science Foundation of People's Republic of China (PRC) in February 1986. The Natural Science Foundation insists on supporting basic research, and gradually forms and develops a funding pattern consisting of three series of research projects, talent projects and environmental conditions projects. Over the past 30 years, the Natural Science Foundation has made great achievements in promoting the development of basic research of natural sciences in China, promoting the construction of basic disciplines, and discovering and cultivating outstanding scientific and technological talents. In 20021year, 48,700 projects were supported by the National Natural Science Foundation.