On the 28th, the Fujian Provincial Department of Science and Technology announced the results of the 2024 Fujian Provincial Natural Science Foundation project approvals. A total of 2,188 projects received funding, with the total amount exceeding 220 million RMB, marking a record high in funding.

“The total funding has increased significantly, the intensity of project support has further intensified, more young scientific talents are emerging, and the scope of joint funding continues to expand...... This year’s ‘list’ showcases numerous highlights.” A representative from the Fujian Provincial Department of Science and Technology stated.

The Fujian Provincial Natural Science Foundation has seen a substantial increase in its project funding scale. The number of funded projects has risen from 1,112 in 2019 to 2,188 in 2024, with the total funding amount growing from 79.21 million RMB to 220 million RMB. Particularly, the funding for the technology program has increased from 41 million RMB to 80.08 million RMB. This significant rise in investment and support clearly demonstrates Fujian Province’s unwavering commitment to strengthening fundamental research.

Investment mechanisms continue to diversify. Utilizing the Provincial Natural Science Foundation, joint funding projects have been established with health colleges, agricultural sciences, meteorology, and other sectors. Annually, these projects channel 140 million RMB of social capital to support fundamental research in Fujian Province. In 2024, a total of 1,486 joint funding projects were approved, with a budget of 145.37 million RMB. The fund benefits 23 universities and 35 hospitals, as well as the Fujian Provincial Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Meteorological Administration system, making it a significant component of the provincial fund.

The level of project funding has been significantly increased. The Fujian Provincial Natural Science Foundation adopts a tiered funding model to ensure that high-quality projects receive greater financial support. This year’s Innovative Young Scientists Fund Project broadly supports researchers in independently selecting topics and freely exploring fundamental research. The average funding for the Outstanding Young Scientists Fund Project has increased to 70,000 RMB per project, 90,000 RMB per project, and 400,000 RMB per project, representing year-on-year growth of 4.4%, 12.5%, and 33.3%, respectively. The newly established Outstanding Young Scientists Fund offers grants of 200,000 RMB per project, while the maximum funding for the Breakthrough Young Scientists Fund can reach up to 1,000,000 RMB per project.

Young scientific and technological talents are taking the lead and playing a central role. Out of 2,188 projects, 1,433 were led by applicants aged 40 or younger, accounting for 65.4%. Applicants aged 45 or younger led 1,847 projects, making up 84.3% of the total. Among these, the first batch of projects supported by the Young Scientists Fund included 513 projects, receiving funding of 66.86 million RMB. For two consecutive years, over 50% of projects have been led by young scientific talents, with an increasing number of young researchers eagerly engaging in fundamental research.

Enterprises are guided to become insiders in fundamental research. Fujian Province actively supports corporate scientific personnel in undertaking Provincial Natural Science Foundation projects. It encourages collaborations between enterprises and universities or research institutes to jointly undertake these projects, thereby strengthening the role of enterprises as the main drivers of technological innovation. This year, 13 enterprises submitted 37 project applications. Among them, 6 enterprises received support for 16 projects. Additionally, 5 enterprises, in collaboration with universities, undertook 7 provincial fund projects, marking the highest number in recent years.

Translated by Fujian Investment Promotion Center