I. Program Introduction
The Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Overseas) is designed to attract outstanding young scholars overseas (including non-Chinese foreign talents) who have already achieved notable accomplishments in natural sciences, engineering, and related fields to conduct research in China, thereby fostering innovative research and accelerating the development of young scientific and technological talents. This program aims to cultivate a group of promising academic leaders who are poised to advance to the forefront of global science and technology, contributing significantly to the building of a strong science and technology nation.
II. Eligibility Criteria
1. Applicants for the NSFC Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Overseas) shall meet the following requirements:
★ Comply with the laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China, uphold high scientific ethics, and consciously embody the spirit of scientists in the new era.
★ Born on or after January 1, 1986;
★ Hold a doctoral degree;
★ Focus on research in natural sciences, engineering, or technology-related fields.
★ Hold a formal teaching or research position at an overseas university, research institution, or corporate R&D institution for at least 36 consecutive months after obtaining a doctoral degree by April 15, 2026. Exceptions on the work experience requirement may be made for applicants who obtained their doctorate overseas and have demonstrated exceptional achievements. (This does not apply to cases where the doctoral degree was obtained overseas through Sino-foreign joint training programs).
For applicants who concurrently hold paid positions in China during their overseas employment, the duration of such domestic paid employment shall not be counted toward their overseas work experience.
★ Have achieved peer-recognized research or technological accomplishments and possess the potential to become a leading academic figure or outstanding talent in their field.
★ Applicants who have not yet worked full-time in China (returned to China), or have worked in China (returned to China) after January 1, 2025, after receiving the funding notice, should resign from overseas positions or otherwise cease overseas employment and work full-time in China (returned to China) for no less than 3 years.
2. Application Limitations
★ Applicants must comply with the relevant requirements of central government departments on the coordination of national science and technology talent programs. For talent programs at the same level, only one program can be undertaken, and applications at lower levels are not allowed.
The specific application requirements shall be subject to the official notice issued by the National Natural Science Foundation of China in 2026.
III. Compensation and Support
1. Directly Appointed Professors on an Annual Salary System: Positions come with official tenure.
2. Independent Principal Investigators (PIs): Independent laboratory space (100㎡) will be provided; priority will be given to forming complementary research teams. Quotas for recruiting young faculty members will be offered basing on the team’s needs.
3.Research Funding and Policy Support: Selected candidates will receive national research funding ranging from RMB 1–3 million, plus supporting funds from Guangdong Province, Guangzhou City and the university (no less than 1:1 matching). Preferential policies are available in terms of children's education, medical care, taxation, etc. The university provides a competitive annual salary, settling-in allowance, etc. For details, please consult the University's Human Resources Department.
4. Housing: Talent apartments are available at Ruidong Garden, Huangpu District, Guangzhou, with options of 80/100/120/140㎡.
5.Talent Cards: Support will be provided for obtaining the “Guangdong Provincial Talent Youyue Card” and “Guangzhou Municipal Talent Green Card,” enabling “one-stop service” for talent public services such as household registration, children's schooling, social insurance, house purchase, and vehicle registration.
6. One-Stop Service and Guidance: The University’s Human Resources Department and Scientific Research Department will provide one-stop service and end-toend support, including policy consultation, application preparation, entry registration, and implementation of benefits. The university and the relevant secondary colleges will organize expert teams to guide the drafting and revision of applications. Each secondary college has a dedicated team to assist candidates in preparing and perfecting your application materials.
7. Candidates Entering the Defense Stage: For those who enter the defense stage, direct appointment as an associate professor on an annual salary system, with official tenure, competitive salaries, settling-in allowances, and research start-up funding will be offered.
IV. Application Process
★ Eligible applicants are requested to send their resumes to the Human Resources Department email: renli@gzmtu.edu.cn before March 1, 2026. Please include “Name + 2026 NSFC Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Overseas)” in the email subject line of your email.
The resume should include the following:
★ Personal basic information
★ Contact information
★ Educational and work experience
★ Major academic achievements
The specific application requirements shall be subject to the Guidelines for the Outstanding Young Scientists Fund Program (Overseas) of the National Natural Science Foundation of China. The application system will open around February 15, 2026.
★Eligible applicants will sign an employment contract or letter of intent with Guangzhou Maritime University.
V. University Contact Information
•Human Resources Department (Talent Policy Consultation)
Contact: Mr. Dong, Mr. Huang
Contact Tel: +86-020-31801689,
+86-18011869686,
+86-15014295826
Email: renli@gzmtu.edu.cn
•Scientific Research Department (Project Application Consultation)
Contact: Ms. Yang
Contact Tel: +86-020-32083015
Email: gmukyb@gzmtu.edu.cn
Guangzhou Maritime University
January 30, 2026
Editor: Xingxing Huang
Initial Review: Ruiwei Liu
Re-review: Zhenyi Huang
Language services: Ye Feng, Lili Chen, Yingchun Cao, Mi Li
language polishing: Songyun Chen
