2024 Excellent Scientists Fund Program (Overseas) Introduction

⚫ Program Objective
Excellent Scientists Fund Program (Overseas) is designed to attract and encourage overseas outstanding
scholars (including non-ethnic Chinese foreign talents) with excellent achievements in natural science,
engineering and technology to return to China and carry out innovative research on self-determined
direction, thus promoting the rapid growth of scientific and technological talents, cultivating academic
backbones who are expected to lead the frontier of science and technology, and to contribute to the
construction of a strong science and technology nation.

⚫ Funding Model
1. Amount: RMB1-3 million.
2. Period: 3 years.

⚫ Applicant Requirements
1. Applicants for the Excellent
2. Scientists Fund Program (Overseas) shall:
(1) abide by the laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China, have good scientific ethics,
and consciously practice the spirit of scientists in the new era;
(2) have a doctorate degree;
(3) research mainly in direction of natural science, engineering technology, etc.;
(4) have obtained a formal teaching or scientific research position in an overseas university, scientific
research institution, or corporate R&D institution, with more than 36 months of continuous work
experience since obtaining a doctoral degree till April 15, 2024; the requirement of working years
may be appropriately liberalized for those obtaining a doctoral degree overseas but have
particularly outstanding achievements;
(5) be recognized by peer experts in terms of scientific research or technology results and other
achievements, and show potential of developing into an academic leader or outstanding talent in
the field;
(6) have not yet returned to work in China full-time, or have returned to work in China since January
1, 2023. After being notified of the grant, the applicant must resign from overseas work or have no
job overseas and return to work in China full-time for at least three years.

3. Limit Requirements
In accordance with the requirements of the relevant departments of the central government regarding
the coordination and connection of national science and technology talent programs, during the funding
period, there shall be only one of the national scientific and technological talent programs in the same
level, and any application in level reverse is not permitted.

⚫ Notes to Applicants
1. Eligible applicants shall sign a work contract or an intentional agreement with the supporting
institution on request of the program guidelines, log in the information system after February 1,
2024, and fill out the NSFC Excellent Scientists Fund Program (Overseas) online.
2. Applicants shall fill out the application form online in simplified Chinese or English on request of
the application instructions and outline, upload attachments and other materials, and submit the
application form by April 15, 2024.