Abstract: More than 2 200 projects are supported in the Division of Mechanical Engineering of NSFC (National Natural Science Foundation of China) since 1986. These projects are promoting the development of mechanical engineering science, providing a lot of new theories, techniques and methods for engineering. In addition, manufacturing technology and equipment in China are upgraded profiting from the results of these projects. And many distinguished experts, scholars and professors are bringing up. The development course of mechanical engineering science is reviewed, the primary experiences of NSFC proposals evaluation and projects management are summarized, the deficiency and gaps of current researches are pointed out.

Key words: Development course, Mechanical engineering science, NSFC, Primary experience, Researching project