I. General Provisions
Article 1
These regulations are made, in accordance with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) “Package Program for Talent Training & Recruitment” and “Guidelines of the Chinese Academy of Sciences on the Implementation of the Program for Attracting Overseas Scientists and Experts and Cultivating Talent through International Exchange”, to guide the implementation of the “CAS Fellowships for Young International Scientists”(hereinafter referred to as “the Fellowships”).
Article 2
The aim of the Fellowships is to promote academic exchange and cooperation between CAS institutes and international research institutions and universities, and the development of talented scientists, by attracting young international scientists to conduct a period of cooperative research at CAS institutes.
Article 3
The Fellowship provides for visits of 12 months duration, and funding covers the personal expenses of the international visitors (see Article 17). Such visits may be extended by agreement (see Article 25) for a further period of up to 12 months.
Article 4
Recipients of the Fellowships will be recommended as candidates for the “Young International Scientists Grant Program” of the National Science Foundation of China.
II. Management of the Fellowships
Article 5
The CAS Steering Committee on Talent Training and Recruitment is responsible for the supervision and coordination of the management of the Fellowships.
Article 6
The Bureau of International Cooperation, CAS, is responsible for publicity, calls for applications, the organization of assessments and reviews of applications, and the submission of recommendations for final approval, in consultation and cooperation with other relevant CAS bureaus.
Article 7
CAS hostinstitutes are responsible for the detailed management of each visit, including employing and managing the visiting scientist under the host institute’s regular employment and management procedures, the signing of an employment contract, and the provision of working facilities and support services such as assistance with visa applications, local accommodation, and medical insurance.
III. Application Procedure
Article 8
There are two application routes for the Fellowships. Applications may be submitted by a CAS host institute or by a designated international partner institution of the CAS.
1. Applications from host institutions: a host institute may submit applications taking into account its needs and capacity and the level of its cooperation and communication with a given candidate.
2. Applications from foreign partner institutions: CAS will invite key international partner institutions to nominate potential visitors.
Article 9
Applicationsfrom CAS institutes and international partner institutions are to be submitted to the Bureau of International Cooperation, CAS, during two specific periods each year. The first round of applications is from March 1-15 and the second from September 1-15.
Article 10
CAS institutes are required to provide four copies of their application, two in English and two in Chinese, while international partner institutions are required to submit two copies of their application in English. All applications are to be submitted to the Bureau of International Cooperation, CAS.
Article 11
Candidatesfor the Fellowships must meet the following criteria:
1. Citizenship of a nation that has formal diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
2. Good communication skills in English or Chinese, able to communicate independently in their place of work.
3. Commitment to abide by the laws of the People’s Republic of China and the relevant regulations of CAS and the host institute.
4. Research scientist applicants should hold a PhD degree, be under the age of 40, and have over five years of research experience and sound academic accomplishments.
5. Post-doctoral applicants should hold a PhD degree and be under the age of 35.
Article 12
The collaborator within the host institute, preferably holding a PhD degree, should hold a senior research position, and be engaged in a major research program. He or she should have the capacity and working facilities to effectively conduct cooperative research with the visitor.
IVSelection Procedure
Article 13
Selection procedures will take place twice annually, in March and September. The Bureau of International Cooperation, CAS, will coordinate this work in consultation and cooperation with other relevant CAS bureaus. Review and assessment of applications will be carried out using standard peer-review procedures and by consultation with panels of experts.
Article 14
The following factors will be given primary consideration in the assessment and review of applications:
· The candidate’s research experience, past performance, and recent progress.
· The originality, scientific significance and potential of the proposed research work with CAS.
· The existing degree of collaboration between the candidate and the host institute, the likelihood that the visit will lead to further collaboration, and the likely impact of the visitor’s research on the work of the host institute.
· The capacity of the host institute to provide suitable research projects and working facilities, including supporting services.
Article 15
Selection procedures will involve both scientific and administrative experts in related fields. Peer-reviewshould involve at least three experts from the same field. Review consultations are to be organized by the Bureau of International Cooperation, CAS, in conjunction with other relevant CAS bureaus. These consultations will normally require a panel of 9-11 experts, with approval of an application requiring the agreement of over 50 percent of the panel.
Article 16
Results from the selection process will be submitted to the CAS Steering Committee on Talent Training and Recruitment for final approval.
V. Implementation of the Fellowships
Article 17
CAS will provide each recipient with a grant to cover the recipient’s salary, daily living allowance, and health insurance, between 150,000 and 250,000 RMB (pre-tax) per year, the exact amount being determined according to the length of the visit and the academic level of the visitor.
Recipients at the research scientist level, under the age of 40, will receive up to 250,000 RMB per year. Post-doctoral recipients, under the age of 35, will receive up to 150,000 RMB per year.
CAS will also provide a round-trip (economy-class) international airfare between the airport located nearest to the visitor’s home and that nearest to the host institute.
Article 18
Funds will be made available in a timely manner for visits that are conducted according to agreed schedules.
Article 19
Each Fellowship recipient will sign a contract with the host institute at the beginning of their tenure of the Fellowship, agreeing to perform duties and tasks according to the terms of the contract, and agreeing to submit a summary report following completion of the Fellowship.
Article 20 The Bureau of International Cooperation, CAS will organize an academic program for the recipients in consultation and cooperation with other relevant CAS bureaus each year. This program will include visits, academic presentations and discussions, and a meeting with national or CAS leaders.
Article 21
A CAS Fellowship for Young International Scientists certificatewill be presented to each recipient by their host institute on behalf of CAS.
Article 22
Intellectual property rights such as patents resulting from this Fellowship shall belong to the host institute if not otherwise specified in a pre-agreed contract. All research achievements such as publications and books shall be clearly marked with the following acknowledgement: SUPPORTED BY THE CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES FELLOWSHIPS FOR YOUNG INTERNATIONAL SCIENTISTS. Grant Number: xxx.
Article 23
Changes may be made to the timing of a visit:
1. The timing of any visits that cannot be conducted according to the agreed schedule can be adjusted within the same year without requiring additional approval.
2. Additional approval is required for any visits that are not implemented in the specified year.
3. Any visits that are not implemented in the specified year or in the extended period will be regarded as null and void. If the host institute and the international visitor wish to undertake the visit at a later date, a new application must be submitted for approval.
Article 24
The host institute is required to prepare a report in collaboration with the visitor on completion of each visit, and to submit the report to the Bureau of International Cooperation, CAS.
Article 25
A visitor that has successfully completed the said visit and wishes to seek extended support may apply for an extension through their host institute. The application should be submitted to the Bureau of International Cooperation, CAS, at least two months prior to the completion of each visit.
VI.Supplementary Points
Article 26
The Bureau of International Cooperation and the Bureau of Personnel & Education, CAS are responsible for the interpretation of these regulations.
