Shanghai unveils new support for postdoctoral scholars

Shanghai has unveiled a series of new measures to support postdoctoral development in the city in a bid to foster a team of young talents and assist their technological innovation and entrepreneurship.

A new fund has been set up to encourage international cooperation and exchange for postdoctoral research and support overseas doctorate graduates to conduct research or work in Shanghai, according to a press release from the Shanghai Human Resources and Social Security Bureau on Jan 3. Shanghai has also set up a subsidy for international academic exchanges for postdoctoral researchers.

As part of the plan, Shanghai will expand funding for its "super postdoctoral researchers" program, covering up to 30 percent of the previous year's new arrivals. The city also encourages all district authorities to increase investment in subsidies, financial rewards, support and allowances for postdoctoral researchers.

The city also provides support for postdoctoral researchers to land a career in enterprises. Companies with high-level postdoctoral stations are encouraged to collaborate with global top universities, leading scientific research institutions, and leading enterprises.

In addition, postdoctoral researchers will be included in Shanghai's talent support policy system. The mechanism for postdoctoral researchers' settlement in Shanghai will be improved and the mechanism for their children's education will be optimized.

In recent years, Shanghai has continuously made efforts in talent cultivation and the transformation of scientific research achievements for postdoctoral researchers. The postdoctoral researcher team has grown vigorously and the quality and quantity of postdoctoral training carriers have increased.

Currently there are 8,279 postdoctoral researchers stationed in Shanghai, according to offcial statistics.