In the early 1980s, in order to promote the reform of China's science and technology system and change the allocation mode of scientific research funds, 89 academicians of China Academy of Sciences wrote to the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, suggesting the establishment of a national natural science fund, which was approved by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council. Subsequently, under the cordial care of Comrade Xiaoping, the State Council approved the establishment of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (hereinafter referred to as "NSFC") in February 1986. The National Natural Science Foundation of China is a directly affiliated institution of the State Council, which manages the National Natural Science Foundation. Since its establishment, under the care of the CPC Central Committee, under the correct leadership of the State Council, and with the support of relevant departments in the State Council and scientists from all over the country, the work of science fund has broken through the traditional management mode and concept that scientific research funds depend on administrative appropriations under the planned economy system, introduced and implemented the advanced funding mode of scientific research funds in an all-round way, and established the evaluation principle of "relying on experts, promoting democracy, supporting the excellent and selecting the best, being fair and reasonable". The operation mechanism of "scientific democracy, equal competition and encouragement of innovation" has been established, and the management system of scientific funds with decision-making, execution, supervision and coordination has been established and improved, and the committee style of "justice, dedication, unity and innovation" has been formed, giving full play to the functions of "guidance, stability and encouragement" of basic research of natural science funds in China, and constantly developing and perfecting the value evaluation and performance evaluation based on the discipline system. At the same time, according to the principles, guidelines and ideas of China's scientific and technological work in the new period, according to the strategic needs of building a well-off society in an all-round way, and starting from the overall deployment of the national innovation system, the strategic positioning of the Natural Science Fund in the national innovation system is determined: "Support basic research, adhere to free exploration, and play a guiding role."

The Natural Science Foundation of China insists on supporting basic research, and has formed and developed two major funding sectors: (1) it has established a general, key and major project funding pattern and a series of special funds that cooperate with each other; Through the implementation of the strategy of attracting and cultivating outstanding young scientific and technological talents, a relatively complete talent training funding system composed of national basic science talent training fund, youth science fund, national outstanding youth science fund and innovative research group science fund will be constructed. The national financial investment in the Natural Science Fund has been increasing, from 80 million yuan in 1986 to 2.695 billion yuan in 2005, which greatly improved the funding environment of the Natural Science Fund and steadily increased the project funding intensity. At the same time, the work of the Science Fund is closely focused on the implementation of the source innovation strategy, effectively promoting the three major plans of creating an innovative environment, condensing outstanding talents and cultivating innovative culture, and launching a series of new measures, which have achieved new results in the practice of perfecting and developing the Science Fund system.

In the past ten years, the Natural Science Foundation has made great achievements in promoting the development of basic research of natural science in China, promoting the construction of basic disciplines, and discovering and cultivating outstanding scientific and technological talents. In order to improve the innovation ability of basic research, we have made useful explorations and accumulated valuable experience, which has made positive contributions to the development of basic research and the improvement of the overall level in China.

The first 20 years of this century is an important period of strategic opportunities for China's economic and social development, as well as for China's scientific and technological development. The National Natural Science Foundation of China will firmly grasp the strategic opportunity period, establish and implement the Scientific Outlook on Development, and carry forward the fine tradition of science foundation work; In accordance with the working policy of "respecting science, promoting democracy, advocating competition, promoting cooperation, encouraging innovation and leading the future" in the new period, we will continue to implement the three strategies of rejuvenating the country through science and education, strengthening the country through talents and sustainable development, carry forward the spirit of seeking truth from facts, adhere to the main line of innovation capacity building, focus on cultivating and bringing up a large number of innovative talents, pay attention to the construction of innovative environment, guarantee the innovation of mechanisms and systems, and strive to improve the management level of science funds.