Research Fund for International Young Scientists Call for Proposals FY 2015

This Call for Proposals (CFP) is formulated and released according to the Regulations on the Management of the Research Fund for International Young Scientists (the Fund) published by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) on December 23, 2014. Host institutions and applicants should prepare and submit proposals for the Fund following the requirements of this CFP. Requirements on the Fund in NSFC’s Guide to Programs 2015 are no longer effective.

The Fund supports foreign young scientists to conduct basic research in mainland China in all areas of science, engineering and health research which are covered by NSFC with the aim to promote sustainable academic collaboration and exchanges among Chinese and foreign young scientists. Grantees are also eligible for renewing the Fund once based on review and selection.

I. The Fund

A. How to Apply

Applicants with foreign citizenship should apply to NSFC through their host institutions in China. Starting from 2015, applicants are no longer needed to be recommended by the Ministry of Education or the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

B. Eligibility

Applicants with foreign citizenship should meet the following qualifications:

1. Less than 40 years old by January 1, 2015 (born on or after January 1, 1975).

2. Have a Ph.D. degree.

3. Have experience of conducting basic research projects or postdoctoral research.

4. Guarantee full-time work at the host institutions during the project implementation.

5. Abide by Chinese laws and NSFC’s relevant rules and regulations while doing research in China.

C. Award Information

Project Duration: One year or two years starting from January 1, 2016

Award Size: RMB 200,000 Yuan per project over one year or RMB 400,000 Yuan per project over two years

D. Proposal Submission

Proposals should be submitted via the Internet-based Science Information System (ISIS) after January 15, 2015. Applicants should complete the proposal forms following the online instructions and outlines for the Fund. After submission online, applicants should print and sign a PDF version of the final application form and timely submit it to the host institution along with the supplementary documents.

E. When to Send the Proposals

NSFC will receive the paper application forms and supplementary documents during March 2, 2015 – March 20, 2015 (due by 16:00 Beijing time) excluding weekends and official holidays.

F. Supplementary Documents

1. Copy of agreement signed by the applicant and the host institution. The agreement should include the following items:

1) Signed between the applicant and the host institution and include subsistence cost provision.

2) The subsistence cost provided by the host institution should cover the funding period, or the agreement should include terms guaranteeing the applicant will work full-time in China during the funding period.

3) The agreement should be signed and sealed by the legal person of the host institution.