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.

The status of scientific research projects in the inorganic non-metallic materials discipline (E02) under the Department of Engineering and Materials Sciences of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) in 2024 has been statistically analyzed. Taking key programs as examples, the discipline’s management of these funded projects is introduced. Representative initiatives and their implementation effects in deepening and implementing the reform tasks of scientific funding for the discipline in this year are elaborated in detail. Furthermore, the priority funding areas, key funding directions for the discipline in 2025, as well as reflections on future work are presented.

Applications, evaluations and funding of National Natural Science Foundation of China programs on inorganic nonmetallic materials in 2022 were summarized and statistically analyzed. Management of National Natural Science Foundation of China programs was summarized. The specific measures of inorganic nonmetallic materials on scientific fund reform, talents and academic teams, academic exchange and seminars, organization of major projects were introduced detailed.