Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program — The Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program Scholarship 2026 offers young scientists worldwide the opportunity to collaborate on joint research projects in Shanghai, China. Funded by the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (STCSM), this program provides a fixed grant of RMB 400,000 for a 2-year exploration of high-risk, high-value basic research and frontier technologies. It invites foreign researchers holding a PhD to work with Shanghai-based institutions, aiming to strengthen Shanghai’s international research environment.
Shanghai, a global innovation hub, fosters cutting-edge science through programs like the Co-research initiative. The STCSM drives international partnerships, supporting local entities in hosting overseas talent. By funding cross-border collaboration, the program integrates fresh perspectives into China’s research ecosystem, advancing both scientific discovery and Shanghai’s ambition to lead in global science and technology.
Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program Benefits
- Fixed grant of RMB 400,000 per project for a 2-year period
- Direct project expenses must account for over 80% of funding, with flexible team-managed spending
- Host organization may assign program assistants to support project application and management
- Access to Shanghai’s international research environment and collaboration with local innovation entities
- Lump-sum funding management with autonomous fund usage by the project team
Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must hold a foreign nationality
- Applicant must hold a PhD in natural sciences or engineering from a world-class university or internationally renowned research institution
- Applicant must be under 45 years old (born on or after January 1, 1981)
- Applicant must hold a formal teaching or research position at an overseas university, research institution, or corporate R&D department
- Applicant must not be employed full-time within China or serve as a legal representative/principal executive of a Chinese enterprise
- During the project, applicant must conduct research in Shanghai for a cumulative total of at least 6 months, including one continuous stay of at least 3 months
- Host organization must be a legal entity or unincorporated organization registered in Shanghai
- Duplicate applications are not permitted; an applicant may not submit two or more proposals under this program
- Applicants currently leading two or more ongoing STCSM-funded projects are ineligible to apply as principal investigators
- All applicants and participants must adhere to research integrity and scientific ethics guidelines, and proposals containing confidential information are not accepted
How to Apply for Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program?
- Establish contact with a potential host organization in Shanghai that is interested in collaboration
- Host organization assists in preparing and submitting the application online via the Shanghai Science and Technology Management Information System (svc.stcsm.sh.gov.cn)
- Submit the application during the window: from 9:00 AM on 28 January 2026 to 4:30 PM on 31 December 2026 (including online review and final submission)
- A one-round panel review will be conducted for the submitted proposals
- No hard copies are required; all documents are uploaded online
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Shanghai Co-research Program Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply, helping you navigate the 2026 call for proposals.
What is the Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program?
It is a funding initiative by the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (STCSM) that supports foreign young scientists to conduct joint research with Shanghai-based institutions. The program provides a fixed RMB 400,000 grant for 2-year projects focusing on high-risk, high-value basic research and cutting-edge technological fields. It aims to enhance Shanghai’s international research environment.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be foreign nationals holding a PhD in natural sciences or engineering from a world-class university or renowned research institution. They must be under 45 years old, hold a formal overseas teaching/research position, and not be employed full-time in China or serve as a legal representative of a Chinese enterprise. Additionally, they must collaborate with a Shanghai host organization.
How much funding does the Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program provide?
Each selected project receives a fixed grant of RMB 400,000 for a 2-year implementation period. The funding follows a lump-sum management system, with over 80% allocated to direct project expenses. Fund usage is autonomously decided by the project team according to actual needs.
What is the application deadline?
For the 2026 cycle, applications are accepted from 28 January 2026 at 9:00 AM until 31 December 2026 at 4:30 PM (Shanghai time). All submissions must be completed online, including institutional review and final submission by the host organization.
How are applications submitted?
Applications are submitted online through the Shanghai Science and Technology Management Information System (svc.stcsm.sh.gov.cn). The foreign applicant must first contact a willing Shanghai host organization, which then assists in uploading the required documents. No hard copies are needed.
Is there an age limit for applicants?
Yes, applicants must be under 45 years old. The specific requirement is that they must be born on or after January 1, 1981. This ensures the program supports early- and mid-career researchers.
Do I need to be in Shanghai for the entire project?
A minimum physical presence is required: during the 2-year project, the foreign principal investigator must conduct research in Shanghai for a cumulative total of at least 6 months, including one continuous stay of no less than 3 months. Remote collaboration alone is not sufficient.
Can I apply if I already have another STCSM grant?
No, applicants who are currently leading two or more ongoing projects funded by STCSM are ineligible to apply as principal investigator for this program. Duplicate applications to the same program are also not permitted; each researcher may submit only one proposal.
What research fields are supported?
The program targets high-risk, high-value basic research and cutting-edge technological fields. While the official guide does not list specific disciplines, the requirement for a PhD in natural sciences or engineering implies that life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, and related interdisciplinary areas are eligible.
Where can I find the official application form?
The project proposal (application form) is available as an attachment on the STCSM announcement page. You can download it via the link provided in the official call: https://stcsm.sh.gov.cn/指南英文附件-Attachment（2026）.docx. Alternatively, the application system svc.stcsm.sh.gov.cn will guide you through the required documents.
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