The Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Overseas) aims to attract and support outstanding young scientists from abroad (including non-Chinese foreign nationals) who have made significant achievements in natural sciences and engineering. The program encourages these scholars to return to or come to China to conduct independent and innovative research, fostering rapid career development and cultivating academic leaders at the forefront of global science and technology, contributing to China’s efforts to become a global science and technology powerhouse.

Eligibility Criteria  (based on the 2024 application guidelines; subject to updates in 2025)

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

Have forward-looking and innovative insights into agricultural and rural science and technology development, demonstrate outstanding research achievements, and show strong potential for further academic advancement. Must be employed full-time and under 40 years old.

Must have obtained a Ph.D. degree and accumulated at least three consecutive years of postdoctoral research experience abroad. Exceptionally qualified candidates may be considered with at least two years of experience. Those applying from within China must hold a senior professional or technical position in a university, research institute, or enterprise.

Must have a Ph.D. degree. Overseas work experience is calculated from the date of obtaining the Ph.D. degree to April 15, 2025.

Must be born on or after January 1, 1985.

Must not have been working full-time in China before January 1, 2024, or must have returned (or come) to China after this date. Successful applicants must resign from their overseas positions or have no employment abroad and commit to full-time work in China for at least three years.

Must comply with the national coordination requirements for science and technology talent programs. Applicants may only undertake one project at the same level of the national science and technology talent programs and cannot apply for programs at a lower level.

The final application requirements will be subject to the official 2025 guidelines.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their CVs to the designated email addresses by March 15, 2025:

📩 Email: ciar@caas.cn

Contact Information

📞 Contact Person: Prof. Zhao

📱 Phone: +86 138 1012 4904

📧 Email: ciar@caas.cn

We welcome talented young scientists worldwide to apply and join us in advancing agricultural science and technology!