The following document is the 2019 budget for the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). The NSFC is a government department under the Ministry of Science and Technology that funds scientific research, principally basic research. The NSFC also runs several talent programs designed to improve China’s national level of S&T talent.

Source: NSFC website, April 2, 2019. The budget itself is dated April 2019.

The Chinese source text is available online at:
https://web.archive.org/web/20200528202313/http://www.nsfc.gov.cn/Portals/0/fj/fj20190402_01.pdf
US $1 ≈ 7 Chinese Yuan Renminbi (RMB), as of August 26, 2020.

Translator: Etcetera Language Group, Inc.
Editor: Ben Murphy, CSET Translation Lead

Part 1: National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC; 国家自然科学基金委员会) Overview

1. Primary Responsibilities

The NSFC is a public institution¹ managed by the Ministry of Science and Technology. It was established in February 1986 and performs the following duties in accordance with the Regulations on the National Natural Science Foundation of China:

(1) To develop and implement funding plans to support basic research and training for S&T talents, to accept project applications, to organize expert reviews, to manage funding projects, to promote the effective allocation of scientific research resources, and to create a favorable environment for innovation.

(2) To collaborate with national S&T administrative departments in formulating guidelines, policies, and plans for the nation’s development of basic research, and to provide consultation on major national development S&T issues.

(3) To carry out relevant work and cooperate with relevant institutions to carry out funding activities, as entrusted by the State Council and relevant ministries.

(4) To establish contacts and carry out international cooperation with government S&T management departments, funding institutions, and academic organizations in other countries or regions.

(5) To support the work of other domestic science foundations.

(6) To carry out other work assigned by the State Council.

1. Translator’s note: “Public institutions” (事业单位) are organizations created and led by PRC government departments that provide social services. Unlike state-owned enterprises (SOEs), public institutions do not create material products and do not generate income. Public institutions are not considered government agencies, and their employees are not civil servants. Most public institutions are fully or partially government-funded, but some fully privately funded (but still government-led) public institutions exist. Public institutions typically provide services in areas such as education, science and technology, culture, health, and sanitation.