Subject: NSTC is soliciting applications for the 2026 "Excellence Pilot Research Program." Applications are now accepted until December 10, 2025 (on-campus submission).

Explanation:
1. In line with NSTC's "Strengthening Core Research" policy, the "Excellence Pilot Research Program" will allocate appropriate resources to leading and emerging core research teams in natural sciences and sustainable development, helping them deepen their strengths and develop key technologies, thereby achieving the goals of deepening their academic development and enhancing their international competitiveness.
2. The lead project leader of an integrated project must compile the master plan and sub-project proposals into a single document, which will be submitted by the lead project leader.
3. The program will run for a maximum of four years, beginning in August 2026.
4. This program is a project-based research project. Applications will not be accepted for unfunded projects.
5. Applicants for this project should go to the NSTC website's "Academic Research and Development Service Network" and, under "Special Project Category" and "On-demand Projects," access the "Excellence Pilot Research Project" project application. The call for proposals and the proposal format (attached) can be downloaded from the NSTC website (Latest News - Project Calls) under Announcements.
6. Contact Person for this Project:
(1) For questions regarding the project content, please contact Dr. Zhang Qiuling, Natural Science and Sustainability Research and Development Division, NSTC, at (02) 2737-8069.
(2) For questions regarding system operation, please contact the NSTC Information System Service Hotline at (02) 2737-7590, 7591, or 7592.