Beijing Announces New Policies for Foreign Research Talent

On August 14, the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission and the Management Committee of Zhongguancun Science Park officially issued the "Beijing Natural Science Fund Foreign Scholars 'Hui Zhi' Program Management Measures." 

The aim of the policy is to further standardize and strengthen the management of the "Hui Zhi" program for foreign scholars, attracting more outstanding foreign scientists and technologists to Beijing to conduct fundamental research.

Requirements for foreign scholars recommended for this program are as follows:

Article 7: The recommendation of foreign scholars for the "Hui Zhi" program is organized by the supporting institutions.

Article 8: Basic eligibility conditions for foreign scholars recommended for the "Hui Zhi" program:

(1)Holding a Foreign Work Permit or Permanent Residence Permit (Green Card) for foreigners in the People's Republic of China; or guaranteeing that the scholar will spend more than 9 months annually conducting research at the supporting institution during the project period.

(2)The duration of the work contract or agreement with the supporting institution must cover the project implementation period.

(3)Possessing relevant theoretical knowledge and research capabilities.

(4)Graduated from one of the top 500 universities worldwide or renowned research institutions (according to the rankings on the date of the application announcement). University rankings are referenced from Times Higher Education, QS World University Rankings, U.S. News & World Report, and Shanghai Ranking (ARWU). Renowned research institutions are based on rankings such as those from the U.S. Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) and Nature magazine, which include the top 500 institutions.

(5)The scholar has not previously served as the project leader for the "Hui Zhi" program.

(6)Ensuring that the recommended scholar complies with relevant regulations of the Natural Science Foundation of China during their work in China.

Article 9: A foreign scholar can apply for no more than one Natural Science Fund project (topic) in the same calendar year. The calendar year refers to the year in which the project application deadline falls.

Policy Interpretation:

1. Core of the Policy: Supporting Foreign Talent in Fundamental ResearchThe core of the "Foreign Scholars 'Hui Zhi' Program Management Measures" is to support outstanding foreign scientists and technologists in conducting fundamental or applied fundamental research in Beijing. The program aims to foster stable academic cooperation and exchange between foreign scientists and Chinese counterparts, injecting new vitality into Beijing’s scientific and technological innovation.

2. Key Contents:The "Foreign Scholars 'Hui Zhi' Program Management Measures" consist of four chapters and 26 articles:

(1)Chapter 1: General principles, including the program's objectives, scope, responsibilities of supporting institutions, implementation period, and funding management.

(2)Chapter 2: Project recommendation and establishment, covering conditions for recommended individuals, limits on the number of applications, promotion of cooperation and interdisciplinary research, expert review, and funding decisions.

(3)Chapter 3: Management and supervision, including project implementation, changes, evaluations, and scientific integrity.

(4)Chapter 4: Final provisions, including the interpretation and implementation date.

3. Policy Features:

(1) Clear Program Positioning and Improved Management Mechanisms

The policy clearly positions the program to support foreign nationals in conducting fundamental and applied fundamental research in Beijing. The management of funding follows the Beijing Natural Science Fund Project Financial Management Measures, implementing a "lump-sum funding + negative list" management system.

(2) Adoption of Supporting Institution’s Recommendation

The program encourages supporting institutions to take an active role in talent attraction, organizing and recommending suitable candidates for project applications. Specific procedures for project recommendation, establishment, management, and supervision have been standardized according to the needs of the "Hui Zhi" program.

(3) Clear Eligibility Conditions and Encouragement of Cooperation

The program specifies that the recommended scholar must have a work contract or agreement that covers the duration of the project, and must be a graduate of one of the top 500 global universities or renowned research institutions. The policy encourages interdisciplinary and cross-field research cooperation. Scholars conducting research cooperation at significant Beijing-based science and technology infrastructures, interdisciplinary research platforms, and science-education facilities will be given priority for funding under equivalent conditions.

For the original Chinese version of the policy, please visit:

https://www.ncsti.gov.cn/zcfg/zcwj/202508/t20250818_216433.html