Objective To analyze the application for and funding from National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects in maternal and child health (MCH) institutions in China from 2011 to 2022, so as to provide evidence for research capacity building of MCH institutions.
Methods Based on data of NSFC big data knowledge management service platform and the national surveillance system of MCH institutes, basic information such as proposal, funding and principal investigator were analyzed, difference between funded and non-funded institutions in human resource and research undertaken were compared.
Results A total of 35 MCH institutions, being NSFC supporting units, applied for 861 projects with an average funding rate of 10.57% from 2011 to 2022. The average funding rates of young scientists’ fund, general program, and fund for less developed regions were 7.27%, 5.34% and 15.21%, respectively, which showed the differences of types and regions. 55.8% principal investigators had been involved in NSFC projects before, and 78.13% of those projects were led by colleges and universities. 58.25% principal investigators had senior title, and 62.64% were Doctorial degree. Funded institutions had more leading projects, led more independent projects than those of non-funded institutions(P < 0.05).
Conclusion Research capability of MCH institutions are relatively weak. Human resources and research foundation are the guarantee of NSFC funding. MCH institutions should pay attention to strengthen research talent introduction and cultivation, focus on policy orientation, academic frontiers and multi-discipline interaction draught by demand, improve cooperation, and enhance scientific research innovation ability, so as to promote sustainable and high-quality development of MCH institutions.
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