Join us! Apply for the NSFC Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Overseas) via SRIAS

We cordially invite outstanding overseas young scholars to apply National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Overseas) through the Shanghai Research Institute for Intelligent Autonomous Systems (SRIAS)

The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Excellent Young Scientist Fund (Overseas), known as the Overseas Excellent Young Scientist program (also known asOutstanding Young Talents Program (overseas)), has been established since 2021. It is designed to attract and encourage outstanding young scholars from overseas (including foreign nationals) who have made significant achievements in natural sciences, engineering, and technology to return to or come to China. The program empowers these scholars to independently select their research directions and pursue cutting-edge, innovative studies. Its goals include not only to foster the rapid growth of young scientific and technological talents, but also to cultivate a cohort of exceptional academic leaders poised to reach the forefront of global science and technology.

1)Applicants for the Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Overseas) shall meet the following criteria:

Implementation shall comply with the coordinated implementation provisions for national science and technology talent programs.

• An individual may undertake only one national talent program at the same level.

• Applications may not be submitted to programs of lower levels.

A. Comply with laws and regulations of the People's Republic of China, uphold good scientific ethics, and consciously practice the spirit of scientists in the new era.

B. Be born on or after January 1, 1986.

C. Possession of a doctoral degree.

D. Conduct research primarily in natural sciences, engineering and technology, or related fields.

E. Applicants must generally have obtained formal teaching or research positions at renowned overseas universities, research institutions, or corporate R&D centers between receiving their doctoral degree and June 15, 2026, with a consecutive service period of no less than 36 months. Exception clause: Candidates with exceptionally outstanding achievements who earned their doctoral degrees overseas may be granted flexibility in the service duration requirement (Note: This exemption does not apply to those obtaining overseas degrees through Sino-foreign joint programs). For applicants holding concurrent salaried positions in China during their overseas employment, the tenure of such domestic appointments shall not be counted toward the overseas work experience requirement.

F. Have achieved peer-recognized research or technological accomplishments and demonstrate potential to become an academic leader or outstanding talent in their field.

G. The applicant must either a) not have commenced full-time work in China prior to application, OR b) have returned to China (or commenced work in China) on or after January 1, 2025. Upon grant award notification, the recipient must resign from overseas positions and work full-time in China for no less than 3 years.

2) Limitation Requirements:

Implementation shall comply with the coordinated implementation provisions for national science and technology talent programs.

• An individual may undertake only one national talent program at the same level.

• Applications may not be submitted to programs of lower levels.

1）Appointment:

Tenure-track professorship and Ph.D. supervisor qualification will be granted, with guaranteed annual graduate student recruitment quotas.

2）Salary:

A competitive salary will be provided, supplemented by teaching allowances, research performance bonuses, and rewards for high-level achievements.

3）Matching Funds:

National and Shanghai municipal matching funds will be provided.

4）Research Funding:

RMB 2-6 million (including national funding of RMB 1-3 million, with the university providing a 1:1 match. Exceptional candidates may negotiate terms on a case-by-case basis). The center will also prioritize recommending candidates for various municipal and district-level talent programs.

5）Facilities:

The Zhangjiang campus is now operational and will provide ample office and laboratory space. Preferential support will be given for team building and major research project applications.

6）Housing

Transitional talent apartments will be provided, along with assistance in applying for other Shanghai municipal talent housing schemes.

7）Family & Healthcare:

Expedited Shanghai household registration (hukou) processing will be arranged. Leveraging municipal talent policies and affiliated schools, we will assist with children's enrollment in schools/kindergartens and provide comprehensive healthcare support.

8）Application Support:

One-stop personalized services will be offered, including multi-level (university/department) professional guidance and comprehensive policy consultation throughout the application process.