Recently, the MOST published 2008 project application guide for National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program).

Guided by major demands of the state, 973 Program is a basic research and development program playing a strategic, forward-looking, overall and exemplary role in future development, and science & technology progress in China. In the implementation of National Medium and Long term Science and Technology Development Plan, the MOST will continue to carry out 973 program focusing on the following 8 areas of agriculture, energy, information, resources and environment, population and health, materials, comprehensive and interdisciplinary fields, and important science frontline.