Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program 2026: RMB 400,000 Research Grants for Young Scientists Worldwide ·tech Co-research Program 2026: RMB 400,000 Research Grants for Young Scientists Worldwide

The Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (STCSM) has officially opened applications for the 2026 Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program, an international funding initiative designed to attract outstanding young scientists from around the world to collaborate with research institutions in Shanghai.

Launched under the Global Sci-Tech Partnership Initiative, the programme supports collaborative research in high-risk, high-impact basic science and frontier technologies. Selected projects will receive RMB 400,000 in funding over a two-year implementation period.

Applications are accepted throughout 2026, with submissions closing on 31 December 2026.

About the Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program

The Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program aims to strengthen Shanghai’s international research ecosystem by encouraging collaboration between overseas researchers and innovation institutions based in Shanghai.

The initiative enables eligible Shanghai universities, research institutes, and innovation organisations to host talented foreign scientists who will jointly conduct cutting-edge research and contribute to scientific advancement.

The programme focuses on supporting innovative research with the potential to generate transformative scientific and technological breakthroughs.

Funding Details

Successful projects will receive:

• Grant Amount: RMB 400,000 per project
• Funding Model: Fixed lump-sum grant
• Project Duration: Two years

Funding follows Shanghai’s lump-sum management system, allowing research teams flexibility in allocating project resources according to research needs.

Applicants should note that:

• More than 80% of the funding must be allocated to direct project-related expenses.
• Funding must comply with Shanghai’s financial management regulations.

Research Focus Areas

The programme supports collaborative research across:

• High-risk basic scientific research
• Frontier technologies
• Natural sciences
• Engineering
• Innovative interdisciplinary research

Projects should demonstrate strong scientific merit and contribute to advancing knowledge in emerging research fields.

Eligibility Requirements

Host Organisation

The host institution must:

• Be a legally registered organisation or recognised research entity in Shanghai.
• Be capable of implementing and managing the research project.
• Support project administration and compliance throughout the funding period.

Host organisations may also appoint programme assistants to support project implementation and reporting.

Applicant Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Demonstrate strong academic integrity and adherence to research ethics.
• Hold foreign nationality.
• Possess a PhD in natural sciences or engineering from a world-class university or internationally recognised research institution.
• Be under the age of 45 (born on or after 1 January 1981).
• Hold a formal academic or research appointment at:
  • An overseas university
  • A research institution
  • A corporate research and development department
• Not be employed full-time in China.
• Not serve as the legal representative or principal executive of a Chinese enterprise.

These requirements are intended to attract internationally active early- and mid-career researchers to Shanghai.

Residency Requirement

During the two-year project period, successful applicants must spend a minimum of six months conducting research in Shanghai.

This must include:

• At least one continuous stay of three months or longer

This residency requirement supports meaningful scientific collaboration with the host institution.

Additional Application Conditions

Applicants should also note the following requirements:

• Only one application per applicant is permitted.
• Duplicate applications are not accepted.
• Applicants currently leading two or more ongoing STCSM-funded projects are not eligible to apply.
• Scientific data generated during the project must be properly documented and submitted according to programme requirements.
• Projects building on previous funding from municipal programmes, China’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), or the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) must clearly explain how the proposed work differs from or expands upon previous research.
• Proposals containing confidential information will not be accepted.
• Applicants requesting the exclusion of specific reviewers must submit an official letter from the host institution explaining the reasons.

Application Process

Step 1: Identify a Shanghai Host Institution

Prospective applicants should first establish contact with an eligible research organisation in Shanghai willing to serve as the host institution.

The host organisation will assist with preparing and submitting the application.

Step 2: Submit the Online Application

Applications must be submitted electronically through the Shanghai Science and Technology Management Information System.

Paper applications are not required.

Application Timeline

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

For the 2026 funding cycle:

• Opening Date: 28 January 2026 (9:00 AM)
• Closing Date: 31 December 2026 (4:30 PM)

Applications will be reviewed and approved in batches throughout the year.

Evaluation Process

Eligible applications will undergo:

• A single-round expert panel review

Projects will be assessed based on scientific quality, innovation, feasibility, and collaborative value.

Why Apply?

The Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program provides an excellent opportunity for internationally based researchers to collaborate with leading institutions in one of Asia’s largest scientific and innovation hubs.

Participants will benefit from:

• Funding of RMB 400,000
• Two years of collaborative research support
• Access to Shanghai’s world-class research environment
• Opportunities to build long-term international research partnerships
• Exposure to cutting-edge scientific facilities and expertise

The programme is particularly attractive for researchers seeking to establish lasting international collaborations while advancing high-impact scientific research.

Key Dates

• Programme Opens: 28 January 2026
• Applications Close: 31 December 2026
• Project Duration: Two years
• Funding: RMB 400,000 per project

Exclusive Insight: Why the Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program Is a Strategic Gateway for Early-Career Global Researchers

At a time when international scientific collaboration is becoming increasingly important, the Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program offers far more than research funding—it provides a platform for building long-term global partnerships in one of Asia’s fastest-growing innovation ecosystems.

Unlike many international research grants that primarily finance individual projects, this initiative is specifically designed to embed overseas researchers within Shanghai’s leading universities, research institutes, and innovation centres, fostering meaningful scientific exchange over a two-year period.

One of the programme’s most distinctive features is its focus on high-risk, high-value research. This encourages applicants to pursue ambitious scientific ideas that may struggle to secure funding through more traditional grant mechanisms. By prioritising frontier technologies and breakthrough basic research, the programme positions participants at the forefront of scientific discovery while strengthening collaboration between Chinese and international research communities.

The residency requirement—spending at least six months in Shanghai, including one continuous three-month stay—also reflects a growing recognition that impactful international research depends on sustained collaboration rather than short-term visits. This immersive approach enables researchers to integrate into local laboratories, share expertise, and establish professional networks that often extend well beyond the funded project.

For early- and mid-career scientists, participation can significantly enhance international visibility. Collaborating with institutions in Shanghai, one of the world’s leading science and technology hubs, opens opportunities for joint publications, future grant applications, technology transfer, and long-term research partnerships across Asia and beyond.

As governments increasingly invest in science diplomacy, programmes like the Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program demonstrate how research funding can serve as a bridge between countries, disciplines, and institutions. For globally minded researchers seeking to expand their scientific impact while contributing to cutting-edge innovation, this initiative represents a valuable opportunity to develop both groundbreaking research and enduring international collaborations.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organisation offering this opportunity. For application procedures and official guidance, please contact the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality or the designated host institution directly. Please do not send applications or CVs to GSO.

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