In order to solidly advance the high-quality development of the college’s scientific research work, assist researchers in accurately grasping the latest policy trends and application requirements of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (hereinafter referred to as NSFC), and effectively enhance the quality and competitiveness of project applications, the College of Materials and Chemistry successfully held the 2026 NSFC Application Mobilization and Experience Sharing Session on the afternoon of December 2, 2025. The event specially invited Professor Huang Xiaoyu as the keynote speaker and was chaired by Professor Miao Yuqing, the Vice Dean for Scientific Research of the college. Mr. Zhan Wei, Director of the Planning and Management Office of the Academy of Science and Technology Development, was invited to provide guidance, while key members of various research teams and young faculty members actively participated in the session.
During the meeting, Professor Huang Xiaoyu provided a systematic and in-depth interpretation of the latest funding priorities and policy trends of NSFC. He emphasized that as a crucial platform in China for supporting basic research and adhering to the peer review mechanism, the NSFC’s evaluation system is characterized by fairness and impartiality. In the face of increasingly fierce competition in applications, researchers need to deeply understand the funding logic and evaluation rules of the foundation, and enhance the strategic focus and relevance of their project designs. Professor Huang further analyzed the application strategies and evaluation priorities for various types of projects, including General Programs, Key Programs, Major Research Plans, Regional Joint Funds, and International Cooperation Projects. He pointed out that while continuously consolidating the research foundation of General Programs, researchers should actively plan for and strive to secure high-level projects such as Key Programs, pay close attention to project types with higher funding rates such as Regional Joint Funds, and steadily expand applications for International Cooperation Projects based on existing international collaborations. Addressing common misconceptions in applications, such as considerations for consecutive submissions by previously funded applicants, the concise articulation of innovative points in proposals, and the systematic presentation of research foundations, Professor Huang provided practical suggestions supported by typical cases. The meeting also clarified the critical timelines in the entire NSFC application process, reminding researchers to adopt an approach of “early commencement and thorough preparation” to allow ample time for meticulous writing and refinement of their proposals.
In his concluding remarks, Vice Dean Miao Yuqing noted that the session comprehensively summarized the core experiences and key considerations in NSFC applications, covering aspects such as policy interpretation, project category selection, team formation, mindset cultivation, and proposal writing. He emphasized that all faculty members should attach great importance to the application process, approach each step with a rigorous and pragmatic attitude, and collectively elevate the college’s overall application standards and research capabilities.
This mobilization and sharing session has promptly addressed the common concerns of faculty members in the college regarding the application for the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). It has effectively helped everyone clarify the direction, sort out the thinking, and strengthen the confidence. The college will continue to enhance the organization and service guarantee for the application work, striving to achieve new breakthroughs in the 2026 NSFC application.
Full text: https://chxy.usst.edu.cn/2025/1203/c3680a353221/page.htm