Ningbo launches 36-million-yuan research fund with CEE countries

Ningbo has launched a 36-million-yuan ($5-million) fund to support joint research between Chinese scientists and their counterparts in Central and Eastern European countries.

The Ningbo municipal government and the National Natural Science Foundation of China signed a joint funding agreement on Sept 20 during the 2026 Ningbo Talent, Science and Technology Week.

It is the foundation's first joint fund dedicated to international research cooperation.

The fund will support collaborative projects in areas including Earth systems, agriculture and genetic resources, energy and mineral resources, and health and life sciences.

Researchers across China will be eligible to apply and work with partners from Central and Eastern European countries on selected projects.

Ningbo has built growing research and business ties with the region in recent years, with cooperation spanning advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, new energy and other fields. 

The new fund is also expected to bring in additional funding from local governments and other organizations, with the aim of supporting more international research projects and turning research findings into practical applications.