The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the National Social Science Foundation of China (NSSFC) represent China's highest-level scientific funding mechanisms. Both operate nationwide, primarily supporting researchers affiliated with universities and research institutions possessing robust research capabilities and infrastructure. These two foundations complement each other with distinct focuses, collectively forming the principal funding channels for basic research in China's scientific domain.

  Established in 1986 with approval from the State Council, the NSFC consistently prioritizes support for basic research. It concentrates on foundational disciplines, cutting-edge exploration, and talent cultivation, emphasizing innovation teams and interdisciplinary collaboration. Over time, it has developed a comprehensive funding framework comprising four major series: Exploration, Talent, Instrumentation, and Integration. The Exploration Series primarily includes General Programs, Key Programs, and Emergency Management Projects. The Talent Series encompasses initiatives such as the Young Scientists Fund, Regional Science Fund, Excellent Young Scientists Fund, National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, Innovative Research Groups, Projects for Outstanding Scholars from Overseas and Hong Kong/Macao, and Research Fund for Foreign Young Scholars. The Instrumentation Series focuses on major national scientific research equipment development projects and the construction of fundamental data and shared resource platforms. The Integration Series includes Major Programs, Major Research Plans, Joint Funds, International Cooperation Projects, and Science Center Projects.

  The NSFC projects harbor vast untapped information resources. Analyzing project themes reveals current academic hotspots, critical research issues, and even technological and societal development trends. Metrics such as output quantity and award records offer insights into China's scientific research evaluation systems and progress. Furthermore, examining researcher characteristics facilitates exploration into talent cultivation, team development, and geographical distribution patterns.

  The National Natural Science Foundation Project Database curated by the CnOpenData team comprehensively covers all NSFC projects approved through 2021. Beyond basic project details, it encompasses extensive information on project leaders, affiliated institutions, research outputs, and more, providing a rich and holistic data resource for related research.

Database Application Guide

Reprint: Public Funding and the Ascent of Science: Evidence from China's National Natural Science Foundation

Time Range

NSFC Project Application Forms: 1987.01-2021.12
NSFC Concluded Project Detail Information Table: 1987.01-2025.12.31
NSFC Concluded Project Output Information Table: 1987.01-2025.12.31
NSFC Concluded Project Participant Information Table: 1987.01-2025.12.31

Field Display

Sample Data

NSFC Project Application Form

NSFC Concluded Project Detail Information Table

NSFC Concluded Project Output Information Table

NSFC Concluded Project Participant Information Table

Related Literature

• Lin, Y. X. & Liu, Y., 2023, "Examination of Reverse Incentives in Basic Research Funding," Quantitative & Technical Economics Research, No. 11.
• Ye, J. J., Zhou, X. Y. & Chen, S., 2021, "Innovation Transformation of Basic Research Investment: Evidence from National Natural Science Foundation Funding," China Economic Quarterly, Vol. 11.
• Ren, Z. G. & Wang, H., 2021, "Analysis of Funding Patterns and Trends in Economic Science during the 13th Five-Year Plan Period," Journal of Management Sciences in China, No. 3.
• Hu, A.G.Z., 2020, "Public Funding and the Ascent of Chinese Science: Evidence from the National Natural Science Foundation of China", Research Policy.
• Tang, X. M., Zhang, Z. Y. & Liu, Y., 2010, "Research on the Policy Effects of the Regional Science Fund under the National Natural Science Foundation of China," Journal of Management Sciences in China, No. 12.

Data Update Frequency

Annual Update