The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) has recently announced the review results of its 2026 centralized application cycle. A total of nine research projects led by eight international scholars from Hainan University (HNU) have been approved and funded, with a cumulative grant of RMB 5.13 million.

This year marks significant breakthroughs in project funding. For the first time, HNU has won grants under the NSFC Research Fund for International Excellent Young Scientists and the Research Fund for International Senior Scientists. This fills gaps in the two special NSFC funding projects for international scholars and further optimizes the university’s tiered development system for international researchers. The funded projects span multiple disciplines including mathematical and physical sciences, materials engineering, biomedicine, marine science and environmental science, closely aligned with HNU’s discipline development strategy and the basic research priorities of the Hainan Free Trade Port.

HNU currently has 165 longterm international faculty members. They play a pivotal role in talent development, disciplinary advancement and international exchanges, making significant contributions to the University’s educational internationalization. In recent years, HNU has constantly optimized its research system for international experts, and actively encourages them to apply for national-level research grants via the university’s institutional platforms. This successful round fully demonstrates the university’s achievements in advancing highlevel international research collaboration.

Building on these grants, international faculty will work collaboratively with on-campus research teams, delve into cutting-edge fundamental research, steadily enhance the innovation capacity and international academic standing of relevant disciplines, and contribute to scientific and technological innovation for the Hainan Free Trade Port.

Translated by Cui Zhengyang

Proofread by Pan Junfeng