Xi Jinping's Latest Directive on Basic Research
Chinese President Xi Jinping recently issued important instructions emphasizing the need to bolster basic research efforts across the nation. Speaking in the context of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), Xi called for a strategic, forward-looking, and systematic approach to laying out basic research initiatives. This push aims to empower scientists and researchers to produce more original innovations, ultimately driving major scientific breakthroughs and enhancing China's self-reliance in science and technology.
Basic research, often referred to as fundamental or pure research, involves exploring fundamental principles and phenomena without immediate practical applications in mind. It forms the bedrock for applied research and technological advancements. Xi's directive underscores the critical role this plays in navigating the new scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation currently underway globally.
The Role of NSFC in China's Innovation Drive
Established in 1986, the NSFC serves as China's primary funding mechanism for basic research, channeling significant government resources into exploratory scientific endeavors. Xi urged the foundation to deepen reforms in its science funding system, refine its frameworks, and improve funding efficiency to better support researchers. This includes fostering a healthy research ecosystem and expanding international collaborations.
The NSFC's efforts align with broader national strategies to achieve high-level sci-tech self-reliance, particularly amid global competition and restrictions on key technologies. By prioritizing long-term, stable support for frontier fields, the foundation is positioned to catalyze breakthroughs that can translate into industries of the future, such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence.
Escalating Funding for Basic Research
China's commitment to basic research is evident in its rapidly growing expenditures. In 2024, national R&D spending reached 3.63 trillion yuan, with basic research accounting for 250 billion yuan—a 10.7% year-on-year increase and representing 6.88% of total R&D outlays. By 2025, this proportion climbed to a record 7.1%, surpassing previous highs and signaling a strategic shift toward foundational science.
Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), policymakers aim to elevate this share even further, potentially to 8% or more, with the Ministry of Science and Technology coordinating major projects in strategically oriented basic research. For universities, this translates to increased grants; for instance, City University of Hong Kong secured funding for 56 projects in 2025 alone.
Such investments are not just numerical; they reflect a deliberate policy to optimize resource allocation, focusing on high-impact outputs like peer-reviewed publications in top journals. Researchers at institutions like Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University received 8.47 million yuan for 24 projects, highlighting the competitive yet opportunity-rich landscape.
Chinese Universities Dominating Global Research Publications
Xi's emphasis on basic research is yielding tangible results in publication metrics, where Chinese universities are surging ahead. In recent Nature Index rankings covering December 2023 to December 2024, institutions like Zhejiang University topped global charts for research output, surpassing traditional leaders like Harvard. China produced over 878,000 high-quality papers in 2024, accounting for nearly 40% of global totals in elite journals.
This boom stems from sustained investments and policy directives under Xi, with five Chinese universities breaking into the global top 40 in 2026 rankings. Publications in fields like materials science, physics, and chemistry—often rooted in basic research—have propelled this ascent. For example, Chinese scholars lead in SCI-indexed papers and citations, a direct outcome of NSFC-supported projects.
- China's share of triadic patents (filed in US, Japan, EU) rising rapidly.
- Over 154,900 high-quality international journal papers in 2024 alone.
- Zhejiang University: #1 in total research output per recent metrics.
Aspiring professors and researchers can explore professor jobs or research positions at these leading institutions via AcademicJobs.com.
Breakthroughs Emerging from Basic Research
Basic research funded through NSFC channels has sparked numerous breakthroughs. In 2025, China's top 10 sci-tech advances, selected by academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, highlighted quantum advancements and biotech innovations—all traceable to foundational studies. Universities like the University of Science and Technology of China have pioneered in quantum tech since early 2000s investments.
Recent publications include breakthroughs in brain-computer interfaces and AI algorithms, with Chinese biotech firms developing over 1,250 new drugs in 2024. These stem from systematic basic research layouts urged by Xi, demonstrating how exploratory work fuels disruptive technologies.
Explore more on NSFC's official site for funded projects leading to these publications.
Photo by Krists Luhaers on Unsplash
Case Studies: University-Led Innovations
Zhejiang University exemplifies the impact: its researchers published thousands of high-impact papers, contributing to China's lead in Nature Index. Similarly, Tsinghua University and Peking University dominate in AI and materials science publications, bolstered by NSFC grants.
In Hong Kong, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) landed 16 NSFC projects in 2026, focusing on health and environmental sciences. These cases illustrate step-by-step processes: from NSFC proposal submission, peer review, funding allocation, to publication in journals like Nature and Science.
- Proposal: Detailed basic research plan aligned with national priorities.
- Execution: Multi-year lab work yielding novel findings.
- Output: Peer-reviewed papers with global citations.
For career advice on thriving in such environments, visit higher ed career advice.
Challenges in Scaling Basic Research Outputs
Despite progress, challenges persist: quality vs. quantity debates, research misconduct crackdowns, and the need for more enterprise involvement (currently under 1% of corporate R&D). Xi's reforms address this by emphasizing integrity and international ties.
Universities face intense competition for NSFC funds, with young scientists receiving priority but facing stiff odds. Solutions include optimized allocation and long-term stability, as per recent policies.
International Collaboration and Global Impact
Xi advocates expanding global partnerships, evident in joint NSFC/RGC funds with Hong Kong. This boosts publication quality, with Chinese co-authored papers rising in impact factors. Collaborations with Europe and the US, despite tensions, enhance frontier research.
China's research rise offers global opportunities, as noted in The Lancet: collaborative papers accelerate breakthroughs benefiting humanity. Read the full Lancet editorial.
Outlook for the 15th Five-Year Plan
Starting 2026, the 15th FYP will prioritize basic research, with projections of R&D intensity exceeding 2.8% and basic share nearing 8%. Expect more NSFC reforms, national labs, and university clusters driving publications toward 1 million annually.
Stakeholders anticipate landmark achievements in quantum, biotech, and AI, positioning China as a sci-tech superpower. Researchers eyeing postdoc opportunities or university jobs in China should monitor NSFC calls.
Implications for Global Researchers and Higher Ed
Xi's push signals abundant opportunities for international talent, with programs attracting experts via streamlined visas. Platforms like AcademicJobs.com list China-focused academic positions, from faculty to research assistants.
For students and profs, this means access to world-class labs and funding. Rate professors via Rate My Professor for insights into top Chinese unis.
Path Forward: Actionable Insights for Researchers
To capitalize on this momentum:
- Align proposals with national priorities like quantum and AI.
- Leverage NSFC's Excellent Young Scientists Fund (1-3M yuan + matching).
- Pursue collaborations for higher-impact publications.
- Stay updated via academic CV tips.
China's basic research surge promises a vibrant future for science publications and careers. Explore higher ed jobs, rate your professors, and career advice at AcademicJobs.com.
