In the early 1980s, the National Natural Science Foundation was put forward by 89 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in a letter to the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, with the aim of promoting the reform of China's science and technology system and changing 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.

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.