Research institutions of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Xinjiang secured funding for 55 projects from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) in 2026, with total direct funding exceeding RMB 24.82 million, according to the funding results announced by the NSFC on August 26.

The results mark further progress in the basic research capacity and original innovation of CAS research institutions in Xinjiang.

Among the funded projects, 27 were awarded to the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG), CAS, the highest number for the institute in the past five years, with funding totaling more than RMB 12 million.

The Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry (XTIPC), CAS, secured 25 projects, with a success rate of 21 percent. Both the number of funded projects and the success rate reached record highs for the institute, with direct funding totaling RMB 12.82 million.

The Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory (XAO), CAS, received funding for three projects.

By program category, the 55 funded projects include 20 General Program projects, one Young Scientists Fund (Category A) project, one Young Scientists Fund (Category B) project, 30 Young Scientists Fund (Category C) projects, and three Research Fund for International Young Scientists projects.

Notably, XTIPC secured a Young Scientists Fund (Category A) project, marking a new breakthrough in high-level talent programs. Meanwhile, the number of Young Scientists Fund (Category C) projects awarded to XIEG doubled from the previous year, reflecting continued progress in fostering young research talent.

In recent years, CAS research institutions in Xinjiang have leveraged the region's unique resources and geographical advantages while focusing on major national strategic needs and scientific frontiers. They have continued to improve mechanisms for organizing and implementing basic research. Through strengthened policy briefings, specialized training, proposal guidance, expert consultation, peer review, and whole-process support, the institutions have steadily improved the quality of grant applications and the effectiveness of research organization.

Going forward, the CAS Xinjiang Branch will further coordinate basic research efforts among CAS research institutions in Xinjiang, strengthen organized research and the cultivation of young scientific and technological talent, and promote the coordinated development of basic and applied basic research. These efforts will contribute to China's pursuit of greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology and provide stronger scientific and technological support for the high-quality development of Xinjiang.