2025 MOST National Key R&D Plan "Inter-governmental International Science & Technology Innovation Cooperation" Key Specialized Program: China-Singapore, China-Thailand, and China-South Africa Young Researchers Exchange Project

国家重点研发计划“政府间国际科技创新合作”重点专项

2025年度中新（加坡）、中泰（国）和中南（非）青年科研人员交流计划项目

Feb 12, 2025

The Official Announcement in Chinese

Sponsor: Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST)

About:

The project aims to foster the joint development of young scientific talent, create a platform for collaboration, and strengthen long-term partnerships between Chinese and international research institutions. It seeks to enhance mutual trust and understanding, support scientific exchange, and cultivate new drivers of innovation. Ultimately, the program contributes to building closer science and technology partnerships between China, ASEAN countries, and African nations.

Research Directions/ Funding Areas:

1. China-Singapore Young Researchers Exchange Project: This project supports Chinese researchers traveling to Singapore for research exchanges.

• Funding Areas: Health, Clean Energy, and Climate Science
• Project Duration: 3, 6, or 12 months
• Total Project Funded: 10 projects (Each project funds 1 individual at 25,000 RMB/month)
• Funding Amounts: For each project, the funded individual receives 75,000 RMB for a 3-month project, 150,000 RMB for 6 months, and 300,000 RMB for 12 months.

2. China-Thailand Young Researchers Exchange Project: This project supports Chinese researchers traveling to Thailand for research exchanges.

• Funding Areas: Information Technology, Biotechnology, Tropical Plants and Animals, Space Technology, Civil Nuclear Technology
• Project Duration: 3, 6, or 12 months
• Total Project Funded: 10 projects (each project funds 1 individual at 20,000 RMB/month (pre-tax))
• Funding Amounts: For each project, the funded individual receives 60,000 RMB for a 3-month project, 120,000 RMB for 6 months, and 240,000 RMB for 12 months.

3. China-South Africa Young Researchers Exchange Project: This project supports South African researchers coming to China for research exchanges.

• Funding Areas: Modern Mining, Biotechnology (including applications in modern agriculture and health innovation), Energy Innovation (including hydrogen economy, new energy, and renewable energy), Space Technology (including Astronomy), Marine Science, High-Performance Computing, and Artificial Intelligence.
• Project Duration: 3, 6, or 12 months
• Total Project Funded: 10 projects (each project funds 1 individual at 20,000 RMB/month (pre-tax))
• Funding Amounts: For each project, the funded individual receives 60,000 RMB for a 3-month project, 120,000 RMB for 6 months, and 240,000 RMB for 12 months.

Please refer to the attachments for more details about each research direction/topic.

Application Process:

1. All applicants need to apply via MOST’s online system.
2. The application portal will open at 8:00 AM on February 14, 2025.

Application Eligibility:

1. Hold Chinese (People's Republic of China) nationality (For China-Singapore/ China-Thailand Young Researchers Exchange Projects).
2. Hold South Africa (Republic of South Africa) nationality and have a formal position in South Africa, engage work in research or technology policy studies (For China-South Africa Young Researchers Exchange Project).
3. Possess a PhD degree or have at least 5 years of research experience.
4. Applicant should demonstrate high research capability or potential.
5. Age should not exceed 45 (born on or after March 1, 1980), and applicant must be in good health.
6. Proficient English communication skills.
7. Must agree to follow local laws and regulations and respect local customs during the exchange.
8. The number of receiving institution is limited to ONE.
9. Please refer to the official announcement for further eligibility requirements. 

Important Dates: