Jiangxi University of Science and Technology (JXUST) has received 90 grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) in the 2026 centralized review cycle, setting a new record for the university and ranking second among higher education institutions in Jiangxi Province.
The approved projects span multiple funding categories, including one Key Program, seven General Programs (up 75% year-on-year), 37 Young Scientists Fund projects (up 111.8%), and 45 projects under the Fund for Less Developed Regions (up 18.4%), with total funding of RMB 32.9 million. Notably, a Key Program led by Academician Ge Shirong on the theory and key technologies for intelligent, continuous, and efficient mining of deep thin-vein strategic minerals was approved. Meanwhile, Liu Zhilou received a Young Scientists Fund project (Category B), marking the university’s first grant of this type.
About two-thirds of the approved projects are closely related to rare earths and critical minerals, reflecting JXUST’s growing capacity in basic research and organized innovation in response to national strategic resource needs.
Looking ahead, the university said it will continue to focus on rare earths and critical minerals, deepen organized research and collaborative efforts, and accelerate the cultivation of high-level young scientific talent. It aims to promote original discoveries and support the efficient, green, and intelligent development of China’s critical mineral resources, contributing to regional economic growth and national resource security.
