2026 Sustainable Development International Cooperation Program (Round II)

2026 Sustainable Development International Cooperation Program (Round II)
可持续发展国际合作科学计划2026年度项目（第二批）

June 5, 2026

The Official Announcement in Chinese

Sponsors:

National Nature Science Foundation of China (NSFC)

Swedish Research Council (VR)

International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR)

About:

In cooperation with international organizations and national research funding agencies, National Nature Science Foundation of China conducts joint funding to address key challenges to global sustainable development.

Funding Areas:

Please refer to the official announcement for details.

1. Coupling Mechanisms and Assessment of Urban Climate, Ecosystems, and Health: Application Code under C, D, or H
2. Reconstruction of urban socio-technical metabolic systems and health co-benefits.: Application coder under D, E, G, or H
3. Climate Change and Public Health: application code under D, G, or H
4. Energy Security Under Climate Change: application code under D, E, or G
5. Food Security Under Climate Change: application code under C or D

Program Type and Funding Scale: 

1. Strategic Collaborative Research Program:
   • Capacity Building Projects:
     • support Chinese and international researchers in cultivating collaborative partnerships, and may involve various forms of research and exchange activities, including collaborative research and mutual visits.
     • Fund around 23 projects, each up to RMB 600,000 (direct costs)
     • Period: January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2029
   • Key Projects:
     • Fund Chinese and international researchers in conducting collaborative research in selected fields, jointly cultivating outstanding scientific and technological talent, addressing regional scientific challenges, and enhancing regional research capacity and global influence.
     • Fund around 15 projects, each up to RMB 2,000,000 (direct costs)
     • Period: January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2029
2. Strategic Collaboration and Exchange Program:
   • Young Scholar Exchange Project:
     • Projects should be led primarily by early-career researchers, with at least 80% of participants under the age of 45, and should demonstrate interdisciplinary and cross-regional collaboration.
     • During the project period, Chinese and international participants are expected to engage in regular mutual visits and diverse academic exchange activities.
     • Fund around 20 projects, each up to RMB 300,000.
     • Period: January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2029
   • International Symposium Projects
     • The symposium should be a minimum two-day event with 30–50 participants from at least three countries/regions, including internationally recognized scholars.
     • Overseas participants should comprise at least 30% of attendees, and at least 50% should be under the age of 45.
     • Fund around 5 projects, each up to RMB 300,000.
     • Period: January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2027

Eligibility:

1. Strategic Collaborative Research Program:
   • Chinese applicants should hold senior professional title, and should be leading or have led a NSFC project with a duration of at least three years.
   • The international collaborator should be an overseas researcher holding a position equivalent to associate professor or above, with experience independently leading a laboratory or major research project. Collaboration with high-caliber researchers from scientifically advanced countries is encouraged.
   • These projects are excluded from the "two-project limit" for researchers with senior professional technical positions (titles).
   • Each Applicant can apply for one international (regional) collaboration project.
2. Strategic Collaboration and Exchange Program:
   • Chinese applicants should hold senior professional title, and should be a PI or major participant of a NSFC project with a duration of at least three years, and a close date on or after Dec. 31, 2027 (collaboration and exchange projects are excluded). 
   • The international collaborator should be an overseas researcher holding a position equivalent to associate professor or above, with experience independently leading a laboratory or major research project. Collaboration with high-caliber researchers from scientifically advanced countries is encouraged.
   • These projects are excluded from the "two-project limit" for researchers with senior professional technical positions (titles).
   • These projects are exempt from the "one application per project type per year" restriction.
   • An individual is limited to one SDIC project, whether currently applied for (as applicant) or ongoing (as PI). Projects concluding in the current application year are excluded from this count.

For further details on applicant eligibility, please refer to the 2026 National Natural Science Foundation of China Program Guide.

Important Dates: