It belongs to the institutions directly under the State Council. Here is a brief introduction.

In the early 1980s, in order to promote the reform of China's science and technology system and change the allocation mode of scientific research funds, 89 academicians of China Academy of Sciences wrote to the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, suggesting the establishment of a national natural science fund, which was approved by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council. Subsequently, under the cordial care of Comrade Xiaoping, the State Council approved the establishment of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (hereinafter referred to as "NSFC") in February 1986.

The National Natural Science Foundation of China is a directly affiliated institution of the State Council, which manages the National Natural Science Foundation. Since its establishment, under the care of the CPC Central Committee, under the correct leadership of the State Council, and with the support of relevant departments in the State Council and scientists all over the country, the work of science foundation has broken through the traditional management mode of scientific research funds relying on administrative appropriations under the planned economy system, introduced and implemented advanced scientific research funding models and management concepts in an all-round way, and established the evaluation principles of "relying on experts, promoting democracy, supporting the excellent and strengthening the strong, and being fair and reasonable". The operation mechanism of "scientific democracy, equal competition and encouragement of innovation" has been established, and the management system of scientific funds with decision-making, execution, supervision and coordination has been established and improved, and the Committee style of "justice, dedication, unity and innovation" has been formed, giving full play to the "guidance, stability and encouragement" functions of the Natural Science Foundation of China in basic research, and constantly developing and perfecting the value evaluation and performance evaluation based on the discipline system. At the same time, according to the principles, guidelines and ideas of China's scientific and technological work in the new period, according to the strategic needs of building a well-off society in an all-round way, and starting from the overall deployment of the national innovation system, the strategic positioning of the Natural Science Fund in the national innovation system is determined: "Support basic research, adhere to free exploration, and play a guiding role." ?