General Provisions

Article 1 The Constitution is formulated in accordance with the Law of the People's Republic of China on Scientific and Technological Progress and the Regulations of the National Natural Science Foundation of China to establish the working rules and code of conduct for the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Article 2 The National Natural Science Foundation of China is a public institution directly under the State Council, which is in charge of managing the National Natural Science Fund.

Article 3 The financial resources of the National Natural Science Foundation of China come mainly from financial appropriations from the central government. At the same time, the National Natural Science Foundation of China accepts donations from domestic and foreign individuals, legal entities or other organizations.

Article 4 The National Natural Science Foundation of China shall, in accordance with the state principles, policies and plans for the development of science and technology, effectively use the National Natural Science Fund, support basic research, uphold free exploration, play a guiding role, identify and cultivate scientific and technological talents, and promote scientific and technological advance and coordinated economic and social development. Its responsibilities shall be:

1. Formulate and implement funding plans to support basic research and to cultivate scientific and technological talents, accept project applications, organize expert evaluations, manage funded projects, promote the effective allocation of research resources, and create an environment conducive to innovation;
2. Cooperate with the state administrative departments in charge of science and technology in formulating state principles, policies and plans for developing basic research, and provide advices on major national issues concerning the development of science and technology;
3. Conduct designated work entrusted by the State Council and related departments, and coordinate with related institutions to conduct funding activities;
4. Establish links and conduct international cooperation with government departments in charge of science and technology, funding institutions and academic organizations in other countries or regions;
5. Support the work of other domestic science foundations;
6. Undertake other matters entrusted by the State Council.

Article 5 The National Natural Science Foundation of China shall uphold the working principle of "respecting science, promoting democracy, advocating competition, boosting cooperation, stimulating innovation and leading the future" and advocate the working style of "fairness, dedication, unity and innovation", so as to build a science funding culture which is conducive to indigenous innovation.