National Natural Science Foundation of China/RGC Young Research Scheme
The NSFC/RGC Young Research Scheme funds joint, innovative research in six science and technology fields by early-career researchers in Hong Kong and Mainland China.
Funder: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026 (application start) | February 2027 (full application deadline, 4:00 pm, via university Research Offices)
Funding Amounts: Up to HK$800,000 per project (Hong Kong side), 4-year duration; ~10 projects supported per round.
Summary: Supports early-career researchers in Hong Kong and Mainland China to jointly pursue innovative research in six key science and technology areas.
Key Information: Applicants must be early-career, submit jointly with a Mainland partner, and observe strict institutional eligibility rules.
Description
The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) / Research Grants Council (RGC) Young Research Scheme (YRS) is a bilateral funding initiative designed to nurture early-career academics in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. The scheme encourages collaborative research between young researchers from both regions, focusing on six priority areas: Information Technology, Life Science, New Materials Science, Marine and Environmental Science, Medicine, and Management Science. Projects are expected to last four years, with funding provided separately by the RGC (for Hong Kong researchers) and NSFC (for Mainland researchers). The YRS aims to foster scientific innovation, strengthen cross-border research ties, and leverage complementary expertise for long-term impact.
