The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) has unveiled new guidelines for the Sustainable Development International Cooperation Program (SDIC) for the year 2026. This initiative is designed to foster collaboration among various international partner organizations and address pressing global issues such as life and health, green resource management, and climate change.

According to the guidelines released on Wednesday, this year's SDIC will focus on significant challenges within the realm of global sustainable development, merging common obstacles with advances in cutting-edge scientific and technological fields. It will provide joint funding opportunities in collaboration with international partners in crucial sectors, including life and health sciences, biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, agricultural and food sciences, and marine research.

The newly issued guidelines touch on vital aspects of organizational partnership, strategic research, and collaborative efforts. The first wave of international partner organizations consists of notable entities such as Brazil's Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), Spain's State Research Agency (AEI), Mongolia's Foundation for Science and Technology (MFST), and Thailand's Science Research and Innovation (TSRI).

Additionally, prominent global organizations including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) have also been designated as part of this initial collaboration group.

Central to the guidelines is the emphasis on nurturing young talent and establishing robust international cooperation networks, specifically multilateral partnerships. Additionally, they encourage research teams from diverse academic disciplines to submit joint proposals, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

The SDIC initiative, a joint venture by the NSFC and various international organizations and research funding bodies, aims to propel scientific research that addresses global challenges. Its overarching goal is to enhance bilateral and multilateral international exchanges and cooperation, while significantly expanding the landscape of international collaboration.