2025 MOST National Key R&D Plan "Strategic Science & Technology Innovation Cooperation" Key Specialized Program: Researchers Exchange Project (First Round)

2025 MOST National Key R&D Plan "Strategic Science & Technology Innovation Cooperation" Key Specialized Program: Researchers Exchange Project (First Round)
2025年度国家重点研发计划“战略性科技创新合作”重点专项人员交流项目(第一批)

May 27, 2025

The Official Announcement in Chinese

Sponsor: Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST)

About:

This project aims to support young researchers from ASEAN, African, and Arab countries in conducting work exchanges in China. Rooted in the principles of merit-based selection, inclusivity, mutual respect, and a people-centered approach, it offers a strong platform for young scientists to learn from one another and helps build closer science and technology partnerships between China and ASEAN, African, and Arab countries.

Research Directions/ Funding Areas:

For the MOST National Key R&D Plan "Strategic Science & Technology Innovation Cooperation" Key Specialized Program: Researchers Exchange Project (First Round), there are 3 research directions supporting exchanges with ASEAN, African, and Arab countries. Up to 130 projects will be funded, with a total budget of 31.2 million RMB. Applications must align with the main guideline headings (e.g., 1.1). Each project may only be submitted by one Chinese institution, with no sub-projects or additional domestic partners allowed.

1.1 Work Exchange Program for Young Researchers from ASEAN Countries

• Funding Areas: Biotechnology, Materials Science, Marine Science, Agriculture, Health (incl. Traditional Medicine), Energy, Space Information, IT, AI, Advanced Manufacturing, Basic Science
• Partner Countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
• Total Projects Funded: Up to 50 (no more than 5 per country, and no more than 2 in the same field from the same country)
• Funding Amount: Up to 12 million RMB total (max 240,000 RMB per project)

1.2 Work Exchange Program for Young Researchers from African Countries

• Funding Areas: Low-Carbon Technologies, Marine Science, Agriculture, Health, Energy, Space Information, IT, AI, Advanced Manufacturing, Basic Science
• Partner Countries: All African nations
  • Arab-African countries (e.g., Algeria, Egypt, Morocco) may also apply under 1.3, but not both
• Total Projects Funded: Up to 50 (no more than 5 per country, and no more than 2 in the same field from the same country)
• Funding Amount: Up to 12 million RMB total (max 240,000 RMB per project)

1.3 Work Exchange Program for Young Researchers from Arab Countries

• Funding Areas: Agriculture, Health, Energy, Space Information, IT, AI, Advanced Manufacturing, Basic Science
• Partner Countries: Arab League countries, including Algeria, UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, and others
• Total Projects Funded: Up to 30 (no more than 5 per country, and no more than 2 in the same field from the same country)
• Funding Amount: Up to 7.2 million RMB total (max 240,000 RMB per project)

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

Project Duration:
The in-China work period for young visiting researchers (“exchange participants”) is set at 3, 6, or 12 months.

• For 3- or 6-month visits, the overall project duration is 12 months.
• For 12-month visits, the overall project duration is 18 months.

Project Funding Disbursement:
Each project funds one foreign researcher at 20,000 RMB/month (pre-tax):

• 3 months: 60,000 RMB
• 6 months: 120,000 RMB
• 12 months: 240,000 RMB

Funding covers international travel, living expenses, housing, and mandatory insurance. The Chinese host institution must provide additional support for admin, research, and domestic travel. Funds are paid in full to the host institution and disbursed monthly to the researcher. No budget breakdown is required. All funds must be used directly for the exchange; no indirect costs are allowed.

Application Process:

1. All applicants need to apply via MOST’s online system.
2. The application portal will open at 8:00 AM on June 3, 2025.

Application Eligibility:

1. Chinese Host Institutions: Must provide necessary work conditions, appoint a qualified PI (born on/after Jan 1, 1965, senior title or PhD) managing only one active MOST exchange project, (issue invitation letters, assist with visas, pre-fund expenses, offer matching funds for admin, equipment, and travel, and manage/report project progress).
2. Exchange Participants: Must be citizens of ASEAN, African, or Arab countries with formal research employment, under 45 years old (born on/after Jan 1, 1980) and hold a PhD or 5+ years research experience, and have no MOST-funded exchange participation in the past 3 years (fluent in English or Chinese).
3. Project plans should generally not be changed during implementation. If major adjustments are necessary, the executing unit must promptly apply to the project management agency following proper procedures.
4. Projects cannot be extended and must complete within the set duration. If unforeseen circumstances prevent timely start or require early termination, the executing unit must formally apply for cancellation or termination and return any unused funds.
5. If the exchange plan is not completed within the project period without valid reason, the Chinese PI will not be eligible to apply for key government international science and technology cooperation projects for 3 years, and this will also affect other staff from their institution when applying for projects.
6. Please refer to the attachments for further eligibility requirements. 

Important Dates: