The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) was established on February 14, 1986. Upon its establishment, NSFC was an institution directly under the jurisdiction of the State Council, tasked with the administration of the National Natural Science Fund from the Central Government. In 2018, it become managed by the Ministry of Science and Technology(MOST) but kept its due independence in operation.

NSFC is one of the major funding channels for basic research in China. Since its establishment, NSFC has comprehensively introduced and implemented a rigorous and objective merit-review system to fulfill its mission of supporting basic research, fostering talented researchers, developing international cooperation and promoting socioeconomic development. It has gradually established its funding system focusing on the three categories of programs those include research promotion, talent fostering and infrastructure construction for basic research.

NSFC is administrated by its Council which consists of the President, Vice Presidents and Council Members. A tenure system is adopted for the presidencies and council members of NSFC. The eighth term of the Council is headed by one president and 6 vice presidents. In addition, one Secretary General and one Deputy Secretary General are appointed to assist the Council. The president of NSFC is Professor Li Jinghai.

NSFC has 9 scientific departments, 7 administrative departments and 4 affiliated departments. Center for Science Communication and Achievement Transformation of NSFC (NSFC, Science Foundation of China Publication Department) is an institution subordinate to NSFC. It is primarily responsible for the dissemination of NSFC development strategies, funding policies and funding performances, the promotion, publicity and transformation of funding achievements, as well as the publication of Fundamental Research and other journals.

For detailed information please visit http://www.nsfc.gov.cn/ and http://www.nsfc.gov.cn/csc/.