On the morning of September 29, SCMU held a mobilization meeting for 2027 National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) grant applications.More than 200 participants attended, including relevant heads, faculty members, and postdoctoral researchers from SCMU's schools of science and engineering, as well as the Schools of Economics, Education, Management, and National Security.Fang Debin, Member of the Standing Committee of the University Party Committee and Vice President, outlined the work arrangements.
The Meeting in Progress. Photo by Wang Haitao
The head of the Institute of Scientific Research and Development reported on SCMU's 2026 NSFC grant applications and approvals, analyzed weaknesses and shortcomings, explained the new measures introduced in the 2026 reform of the NSFC grant management system, made arrangements for the 2027 application process, and identified its five stages.
During the special guidance session, Professor Xia Yongbo of the School of Mathematics and Statistics and Professor Zhang Daohong of the School of Chemistry and Materials Science provided detailed guidance on topic selection, abstracts, basis for project approval, research content, and other aspects, drawing on the characteristics of relevant disciplines in the Information Science Division and the Science and Engineering Division, respectively.
Fang Debin put forward four requirements for the 2027 NSFC grant application process: First, improve political awareness and strengthen the sense of mission and responsibility, and seize the policy opportunities arising from the country's increased investment in basic research. Second, promote organized research and strive for major breakthroughs. Give full play to the leading role of disciplines, promote interdisciplinary integration, and proactively align research with national strategic needs, Hubei's "51020" modern industrial cluster initiative, and its "61020" science and technology innovation achievements system. Strengthen research platforms and teams, improve talent development pipelines, promote the integrated operation of platforms and teams, and focus on tackling major and key national-level research projects. Adhere to performance-oriented principles, optimize support throughout the entire process, increase incentives, and continue to advance the "NSFC Grant Doubling Plan". Third, strengthen research integrity, strictly observe academic standards, regulate the use of research funds, and firmly establish a strong line of defense for research integrity. Fourth, strengthen organizational leadership and ensure that all parties fulfill their responsibilities. The Institute of Scientific Research and Development should coordinate overall efforts and provide support throughout the entire process. Each school should fulfill its primary responsibility, fully explore application potential, ensure that all eligible applications are submitted, and focus on providing early-career faculty members with guidance throughout the entire application process.
Editor-in-charge: Liu Qiong Reviewed by: Lei Changsheng Uploaded by: Liu Hong Release Date: September 30, 2026
