National natural science foundation of China funding patterns and policy implications for obstetrics and gynecology research: a decade of trends (2011-2020).

Abstract

Background: The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) plays a pivotal role in supporting basic medical research and shaping national funding priorities. As clinical and scientific demands in obstetrics and gynecology grow, particularly in areas closely tied to pharmacological interventions and maternal-fetal health, understanding funding patterns is essential for guiding research strategy and health policy. This study aimed to evaluate NSFC funding trends in obstetrics and gynecology from 2011 to 2020 and examine their alignment with research output and policy-relevant themes.

Methods: Data from 2011 to 2020 were collected from official public sources. Descriptive analyses were conducted to assess funding trends by volume, project type, institutional and regional distribution, and research focus. SCI-indexed publication data were retrieved to evaluate the consistency between funding levels and high-impact scientific productivity.

Results: NSFC funding in obstetrics and gynecology increased steadily over the decade, with a notable rise in support for early-career researchers through the Young Scientists Fund. Funding was geographically concentrated in eastern China, particularly in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, with limited representation from central and western regions. Priority research themes included gestational diseases, reproductive health, and prenatal diagnostics. The average overlap between top-funded institutions and those with high SCI publication output was 61%, indicating only partial alignment between funding distribution and scientific productivity.

Conclusions: While NSFC funding has played a critical role in advancing obstetrics and gynecology research in China, structural challenges persist. These include limited investment in high-tier and translational projects, regional disparities, and a mismatch between funding and publication output. The evolving focus of the NSFC on innovation and long-term impact over traditional publication metrics underscores the need for strategic reforms. Enhancing interdisciplinary integration, promoting equitable resource allocation, and adopting outcome-based evaluation frameworks are essential to better support pharmacological research and policy-driven improvements in maternal and reproductive health.