Last updated on October 26, 2025
No, it is not allowed. Under China’s revised National Natural Science Fund Regulations, researchers must disclose funding sources and uphold scientific integrity when publishing research.
Why Funding Transparency Is Mandatory in Chinese Research
In China’s rapidly expanding scientific ecosystem, publishing research isn’t just about discovery—it’s about trust. Whether you’re investigating climate models or developing new materials, one rule is non-negotiable: you must disclose your funding sources.
This requirement is now codified in the newly revised National Natural Science Fund Regulations, issued by the State Council and signed into law by Premier Li Qiang. Effective January 1, 2025, the regulations mandate full transparency in the use and reporting of research funds, reinforcing China’s commitment to scientific integrity and accountability.
The Legal Backbone: State Council Decree No. 796
The updated regulations, published as State Council Order No. 796, outline strict obligations for researchers, institutions, and fund managers. Article 12 of the law requires applicants to disclose any existing funding support when applying for new grants. This includes stating whether the research content has already received financial backing from other sources.
Moreover, Article 29 mandates that any published research resulting from National Natural Science Fund support must clearly acknowledge the funding. Failure to do so is considered a breach of research ethics and may trigger penalties ranging from warnings to permanent disqualification from future funding.
Integrity Is Not Optional
China’s emphasis on research integrity goes beyond funding transparency. Article 12 also requires researchers and their institutions to sign a Scientific Integrity and Ethics Commitment Letter, pledging not to engage in misconduct such as falsification, plagiarism, or data manipulation.
Violations are taken seriously. According to Article 36, researchers who fabricate or misrepresent funding information may face bans from applying for grants for up to five years. In severe cases, they may be permanently barred from participating in publicly funded research.
Why It Matters
Transparency in funding is essential for maintaining public trust and scientific credibility. It helps readers and reviewers assess potential biases, understand the scope of the research, and evaluate its independence. In China, where state funding plays a central role in scientific advancement, this clarity is especially critical.
The new regulations also align China with international standards, reinforcing its position as a global leader in research ethics. By mandating disclosure, the government ensures that scientific progress is built on a foundation of openness and accountability.
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Sources
国家自然科学基金条例（国务院令第796号）
https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202411/content_6986948.htm
2024.11.14
Law of the People’s Republic of China on Progress of Science and Technology
https://english.www.gov.cn/archive/lawsregulations/2014/08/23/content281474983042277.htm
Ongoing