China is ramping up its campaign to lure top young scientists from abroad, extending a major funding programme for a second round – a move that could be partly aimed at US-based researchers facing budget constraints.Since its launch in 2021, the programme has awarded individual grants of 1 million to 3 million yuan (US$140,000 to US$418,000) to thousands of scientists born in China or overseas under the age of 40. Applicants must have at least three years of postdoctoral experience abroad and commit to a full-time position at a Chinese institution.The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) – the top funder of basic research last week issued an additional call for applications for the Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Overseas) following its first round earlier this year. What is your take on the Chinese offer for reserchers ?

