2026年科学探索奖启动申报，为青年科学家提供300万元奖金

Core Points - The "Science Exploration Award," one of the highest funding programs for young scientific talent in China, has officially launched its application process for the eighth edition [1] - The award will continue to cover 10 funding areas, including mathematics and physics, new materials in chemistry, astronomy and earth sciences, life sciences, medical sciences, information electronics, energy and environment, advanced manufacturing, transportation and construction, and frontier interdisciplinary studies [1] - A "new star mechanism" will be implemented, providing one "new star quota" in each funding area to reward young scientists [1] - Up to 50 awardees will be selected this year, with each receiving a total of 3 million RMB over five years, which they can use at their discretion [1] - The application period runs from January 1 to April 15, with the award winners expected to be announced in the third quarter of 2026 [1] - The award was established in 2018 by the New Cornerstone Science Foundation, led by prominent scientists and Tencent's founder [1] - By 2025, the award has funded 347 outstanding young scientists [1] Application Criteria - Applicants must hold a PhD and work full-time in mainland China or Hong Kong/Macau, regardless of nationality [2] - Age limits for applicants are set at 45 years or younger for males and 48 years or younger for females as of January 1 of the application year [2] - The award focuses on the future potential of young researchers rather than past achievements, encouraging the emergence of "future stars" in various evaluation stages [2]