In the early 1980s, in order to promote the reform of China's science and technology system and change the allocation of scientific research funds, 89 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences wrote to the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, suggesting that the National Natural Science Foundation be established by drawing lessons from international successful experience, which was approved by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council.
The National Natural Science Foundation of China insisted on supporting basic research, and gradually formed and developed a funding pattern consisting of three series of research projects, talent projects and environmental conditions projects. Over the past 30 years, the National Natural Science Foundation of China 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.
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The major research plan of the National Natural Science Foundation of China is the highest level, the largest funding scale and the most authoritative project category in the National Natural Science Foundation at present. Mainly around the country's major strategic needs and major scientific frontiers, we will gather superior forces to form a project cluster with relatively unified goals or directions, enhance the original innovation ability of basic research in China, and provide scientific support for national economy, social development and national security.
On February 28th, 2023, the National Bureau of Statistics issued the Statistical Bulletin on National Economic and Social Development of People's Republic of China (PRC) in 2022. According to the preliminary calculation, in 2022, the National Natural Science Foundation supported the project 510.9 million. As one of the main channels to support basic research in China, the National Natural Science Foundation focuses on supporting researchers in universities and scientific research institutions with good research conditions and strength.