Tsinghua will receive more than 68 million yuan funding from the National Natural Science Foundation (NSFC) for natural science research projects at the university.

Of the 612 programs from Tsinghua seeking the funding in 2002, 204 were approved by the State Natural Science Fund, garnering a total of 63,351,000 yuan. Some 40,500,000 yuan of the award will go to a total of 204 Major Programs, while 28,850,000 yuan will be used for other 15 key Programs.

Key Programs mainly deal with the exploration of key scientific problems occurring in the development and layout of various disciplines and at newly growing points in different disciplines, which require in-depth research and heavier funding. Applications must be submitted in accordance with the Guide to Programs of NSFC.

Major Programs focus on the research of major scientific and technological issues emerging from either science and technology themselves, or national economy and social development and may be studied jointly through interdisciplinary and inter-departmental efforts. Proposals are submitted in accordance with the Guide to Programs of NSFC

The Natural Science Fund has become one of the main channels for governmental support for basic research. China has increased its funding in education by a rate of 26 percent per year, reaching almost 2 billion yuan by 2002.

(Liu Aixiang, 11/20/2002）