Applicants for this professorship must apply collaboratively. The research teams must include a scientist who is a citizen of a nation having formal diplomatic relations with China (Chinese citizens are not eligible). The scientist must have been educated outside of China at the elementary school level. The scientist must have a Ph.D. degree, with academic standing of at least associate professor or equivalent. Additionally, the senior scientist must have strong communication skills in English. The research teams must also include a Chinese collaborator who is a researcher at CAS institutes and is engaged in a major research program.
The Chinese collaborator must have a senior research position, and preferably a Ph.D. degree. Additionally, the collaborator must have facilities and capacity to conduct cooperative research with the visiting scientist. Scientists wishing to apply should begin by exploring research opportunities with potential collaborators within the institutes of CAS. The grant will cover the recipient's (1) salary, (2) daily living allowance, (3) round-trip international airfare, and (4) health insurance, at a level determined by CAS according to the length of the visit and the academic level of the visitor.