The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) launched its international exchange initiative, the CAS President’s International Fellowship Initiative (PIFI), in 2009. This initiative aims to foster global research mobility by funding outstanding international scientists to conduct substantive scientific and technological collaboration with CAS institutions. PIFI is currently accepting applications for 2026 in the following two categories:

I. PIFI Distinguished Scientist

1. What will you do?

Conduct academic exchange activities in at least two CAS-affiliated research institutes or universities for one up to two weeks

2. What do we offer?

A package covering living expenses, transportation costs, insurance and an allowance

3. Who can apply?

Well-established and internationally renowned foreign scientists and experts

II. PIFI Visiting Scientist

1. What will you do?

Conduct academic visits or cooperative research in one CAS-affiliated research institute or university for one up to six months

2. What do we offer?

A package covering transportation costs, insurance and an allowance

*The funding amount depends on the qualification of the applicant and the length of visit

3. Who can apply?

Excellent foreign scholars currently employed by (or retired from) foreign institutions (including postdoctoral fellows)

III. Documents Needed

1. Signed application form

Please fill in the form on PIFI website (https://pifi.cas.cn/): My PIFI - Login - My Application.

2. A recent ID photo in color

3. Scanned copy of passport photo page with personal information

4. A recommendation letter from CAS host researcher (if applicable)

5. Detailed plan, including but not limited to: collaboration background, objective, detailed schedule, expected outputs (if applicable)

IV. Application Procedures

1. Applicants are required to identify a host researcher from a CAS-affiliated institute or university. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the host researcher.

2. The CAS host researchers shall assist applicants in preparing complete application packages and submit all required documents to their host institute or university.

3. The CAS host institutes or universities are required to conduct a preliminary review of all applications.

4. The PIFI office will organize peer reviews and announce the results of approved applications.

V. Important Notes:

1. PIFI applications are open all year round and will be reviewed in three rounds annually.  

2. Applicants are required to start their application at an early stage to ensure the full application process can be accomplished by the host institutions. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

3. Please contact your CAS host researchers for applying.