China has selected 44 young scientists, including nine from overseas, for 15-year research grants without short-term performance reviews. The initiative aims to support long-term scientific exploration and strengthen China's global research standing.China offers 15-year research grants to young scientists, including overseas researchers (AI-Generated image) China has selected its first group of young researchers for grants lasting up to 15 years, offering sustained funding to scientists without short-term performance reviews.

The initiative is among the longest research funding commitments available globally, as China seeks to strengthen its scientific capabilities, as reported by Nature.According to the South China Morning Post, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), the country’s leading basic research funding agency, selected 44 scientists this year, including nine from overseas.FUNDING TO DOUBLE EVERY FIVE YEARSThe programme targets outstanding researchers under 35 and begins with an initial five-year grant that could be extended for another decade, Nature reported.Under the funding structure described by South China Morning Post, financial support will double after the first five years and double again after the next five. The initiative removes short-term performance reviews, with researchers primarily assessed on their continued presence in the laboratory.

The approach aims to give young scientists greater freedom to pursue research that may take years to produce significant results.CHINA EXPANDS SUPPORT FOR YOUNG RESEARCHERSChina’s academic funding system has faced criticism for concentrating resources among senior researchers, leaving younger academics competing for grants. Since NSFC director Dou Xiankang took charge in April 2023, the agency has increasingly focused on supporting early-career scientists.

In November 2023, the funding body announced a long-term arrangement under which leading young scientists could receive up to 28 million yuan over 15 years. In May 2026, it also announced plans to add 12,000 grants to its Young Scientists Fund, an increase of more than 50 per cent.EFFORTS TO ATTRACT GLOBAL TALENTThe NSFC is also expanding its efforts to attract researchers from overseas through its Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Overseas).

An additional application round was announced in July 2026.Launched in 2021, the programme offers eligible scientists under 40 grants ranging from 1 million to 3 million yuan, supporting China’s wider efforts to strengthen its research ecosystem.- Ends