Funding and Development of Female Scientific Talents in the Field of Inorganic Non-metallic Materials

Female scientific talents constitute a critical force in the field of inorganic non-metallic materials, having made remarkable contributions to disciplinary development. This paper examines the status and challenges faced by female researchers in project applications, research funding, and career advancement by analyzing supporting policies implemented by the inorganic non-metallic materials discipline (hereinafter referred as “the discipline”) under the national natural science foundation of China (NSFC) in recent years. Here the paper evaluates the effectiveness of these policy measures in promoting the growth of female scientific talents, thereby providing empirical support for the discipline policy making and the sustainable development of outstanding female researchers. Looking ahead, the discipline will intensify efforts to cultivate female reserve talents, continuously advance the reform of the science funding system, and enhance the innovative contributions of female researchers to China’s scientific self-reliance and technological independence in the inorganic non-metallic materials domain.