China continues to strengthen its position as one of the world's leading destinations for scientific innovation and international research collaboration. Among its most prestigious research funding opportunities is the Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program Scholarship 2026, a highly competitive initiative that supports outstanding young scientists from around the world in conducting collaborative research with institutions based in Shanghai.

Funded by the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (STCSM), the program aims to promote international scientific partnerships while advancing cutting-edge research in high-risk, high-value basic science and frontier technologies. Selected researchers receive a fixed grant of RMB 400,000 for a two-year research project, enabling them to work closely with Shanghai's leading universities, research institutes, and innovation organizations.

The scholarship is specifically designed for foreign researchers holding a PhD in natural sciences or engineering. It offers not only generous financial support but also access to one of Asia's most advanced scientific ecosystems. Researchers benefit from Shanghai's world-class laboratories, interdisciplinary collaborations, and vibrant innovation environment while contributing fresh perspectives to China's rapidly growing research landscape.

If you are an early- or mid-career scientist seeking an international research opportunity with substantial funding, the Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program Scholarship 2026 could be the perfect platform to expand your academic career and build global research networks.

Overview of the Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program Scholarship 2026

About the Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program

The Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program is an international funding initiative established by the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (STCSM). Its primary objective is to strengthen Shanghai's global research collaborations by attracting talented overseas scientists to conduct joint research with local institutions.

Shanghai has become one of the world's fastest-growing innovation centers. It hosts internationally recognized universities, advanced research laboratories, high-tech industries, and government-supported innovation hubs. Through this scholarship, Shanghai welcomes international researchers who can contribute new ideas, advanced methodologies, and interdisciplinary expertise.

The program encourages collaborative research that addresses major scientific challenges while fostering long-term partnerships between Chinese and overseas institutions.

Why Choose the Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program?

This scholarship is much more than financial support. It provides researchers with an opportunity to become part of one of Asia's leading scientific communities.

Participants gain access to:

• World-class research infrastructure
• International collaboration opportunities
• Cutting-edge laboratories
• High-impact scientific networks
• Strong government support for innovation
• Collaborative partnerships with Shanghai-based research organizations

Researchers also benefit from Shanghai's unique position as a global financial, technological, and academic hub where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive.

Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program Scholarship Benefits

One of the program's biggest attractions is its generous funding package and flexible project management system.

Successful applicants receive the following benefits.

Fixed Research Grant

Each approved project receives a fixed grant of RMB 400,000 covering the entire two-year research period.

Flexible Budget Management

The scholarship follows a lump-sum funding model that allows project teams to manage research expenses according to actual project needs.

Direct Research Funding

More than 80% of the total funding must be allocated toward direct project expenses, ensuring the majority of resources support scientific research.

Administrative Support

Host organizations may assign experienced project assistants to help researchers with proposal preparation, administration, reporting, and project management.

International Research Environment

Researchers gain access to Shanghai's internationally recognized innovation ecosystem, enabling collaboration with leading universities, laboratories, research institutes, and technology companies.

Long-Term Academic Collaboration

The program encourages sustainable international partnerships that often continue well beyond the funded project period.

Research Fields Supported

The Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program focuses on projects that advance scientific knowledge through innovative and collaborative research.

Priority areas include:

High-Risk Basic Research

Projects that explore bold scientific ideas capable of generating groundbreaking discoveries.

Frontier Technologies

Research involving emerging technologies with significant future impact across science and engineering.

Natural Sciences

Projects covering physics, chemistry, biology, environmental sciences, mathematics, and interdisciplinary scientific fields.

Engineering

Research involving mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, artificial intelligence, robotics, manufacturing technologies, and related engineering disciplines.

Although the official announcement does not list every eligible discipline, researchers from various branches of natural sciences and engineering are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must carefully review all eligibility requirements before preparing an application.

To qualify, candidates must satisfy the following conditions.

Foreign Nationality

Applicants must hold foreign citizenship.

Doctoral Qualification

Applicants must possess a PhD in natural sciences or engineering awarded by a world-class university or internationally recognized research institution.

Age Requirement

Candidates must be under 45 years of age, meaning they must have been born on or after January 1, 1981.

Overseas Employment

Applicants must hold a formal teaching or research appointment at:

• Overseas universities
• Research institutions
• Corporate research and development departments

Employment Restrictions

Applicants must not:

• Work full-time in China
• Serve as the legal representative or principal executive of a Chinese enterprise

Residency Requirement

During the project period, researchers must spend:

• At least 6 cumulative months conducting research in Shanghai
• Including one continuous stay of at least 3 months

Host Institution

Every applicant must collaborate with a qualified Shanghai-based host organization registered within Shanghai.

Duplicate Applications

Applicants may submit only one proposal under this program.

Existing STCSM Projects

Researchers currently leading two or more ongoing STCSM-funded projects are not eligible to apply as principal investigators.

Research Ethics

All participants must comply with scientific ethics, research integrity standards, and applicable regulations. Applications containing confidential information will not be accepted.

Required Host Organization

Before submitting an application, candidates must establish collaboration with a suitable Shanghai-based institution.

Eligible host organizations include:

• Universities
• Public research institutes
• Government research centers
• Scientific organizations
• Innovation entities registered in Shanghai

The host institution plays an important role by assisting with proposal preparation and online submission.

Application Documents

Although exact document requirements may vary, applicants should generally prepare:

• Completed application form
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• PhD certificate
• Employment verification
• Detailed research proposal
• Publication list
• Passport copy
• Supporting documents requested by the host institution

Preparing these documents early allows sufficient time for review before submission.

How to Apply for the Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program Scholarship

Applications are completed online through the Shanghai Science and Technology Management Information System.

Follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Identify a Shanghai Host Organization

Contact a university, research institute, or innovation organization in Shanghai that shares your research interests.

Step 2: Develop a Collaborative Research Proposal

Work closely with your host institution to prepare a competitive proposal addressing frontier scientific challenges.

Step 3: Register in the Online System

Your Shanghai host organization will assist with submitting the application through the official online portal.

Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents

Upload all required documents electronically.

No paper copies are required.

Step 5: Complete Institutional Review

Your host institution completes the internal review and submits the proposal before the official deadline.

Step 6: Await Evaluation

Applications undergo a one-round expert panel review before funding decisions are announced.

Application Timeline

Applicants should note the official submission period.

Applicants are encouraged to begin discussions with potential host organizations several months before the deadline.

Tips for Preparing a Competitive Proposal

The Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program is highly competitive. These recommendations can strengthen your application.

Build a Strong Partnership

Choose a host institution whose research aligns closely with your expertise.

Focus on Innovation

Projects should demonstrate originality and potential for significant scientific impact.

Address Global Challenges

Proposals tackling important scientific or technological problems often receive stronger consideration.

Demonstrate Research Excellence

Highlight your publications, previous projects, awards, and international collaborations.

Prepare Early

Allow sufficient time for proposal revisions, institutional approvals, and document preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program Scholarship?

The Shanghai Sci-tech Co-research Program Scholarship is an international research funding initiative supported by the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (STCSM). It enables foreign researchers to collaborate with Shanghai-based institutions on cutting-edge scientific research through a two-year project funded with RMB 400,000.

Who can apply?

Applicants must be foreign nationals holding a PhD in natural sciences or engineering from an internationally recognized university or research institution. They must also be employed at an overseas university, research institute, or corporate R&D department and meet the program's age and residency requirements.

How much funding is available?

Each successful project receives a fixed grant of RMB 400,000 for the two-year implementation period. More than 80% of the funding is allocated to direct research expenses under a flexible lump-sum funding model.

What is the application deadline?

Applications are accepted from January 28, 2026, and must be submitted no later than December 31, 2026, at 4:30 PM (Shanghai Time).

How are applications submitted?

Applications are submitted online through the Shanghai Science and Technology Management Information System. The host institution in Shanghai assists the applicant throughout the submission process. No printed documents are required.

Is there an age limit?

Yes. Applicants must be under 45 years old, meaning they must have been born on or after January 1, 1981.

Do researchers need to stay in Shanghai?

Yes. Researchers must spend at least six cumulative months in Shanghai during the project, including one continuous stay of at least three months.

Can researchers with existing STCSM grants apply?

Applicants who are currently leading two or more ongoing STCSM-funded projects are not eligible to apply as principal investigators under this program.

What research fields are supported?

The scholarship supports high-risk, high-value basic research and frontier technologies within natural sciences, engineering, and related interdisciplinary fields.

Where can applicants find the official application form?

The proposal template is available through the official STCSM announcement and the Shanghai Science and Technology Management Information System, where applicants can access submission guidelines and required documentation.

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