The current state and future prospects of the fundamental research on pediatric otorhinolaryngology: an analysis of application and funding data of the National Natural Science Foundation of China from 2009 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to summarize the current situation and deficiencies of the fundamental research on pediatric otolaryngology-head and neck science. It is hoped that the results can provide support for the long-term development of the basic research on this subject. METHODS: Information concerning the applications to and funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) for otolaryngology-head and neck from 2009 to 2019 was collected and analyzed. RESULTS: In the past 10 years, pediatric otolaryngology-head and neck science received 150 applications, accounting for 2.92% of all applications for otolaryngology-head and neck science. Ultimately, 20 projects were funded, accounting for 2.17% of all the funded projects. There were 88 applications for children's ear science and hearing-related research, accounting for 58.67% of the applications for pediatric otolaryngology-head and neck science. Furthermore, 14 approved grants focused on cochlear implants and the genetics and mechanisms of deafness. There were 25 applications related to children's nasal science, particularly allergic rhinitis, accounting for 16.67% of the total applications. Of these, 4 applications were funded, and these mainly focused on the disease regulation and pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis. A total of 30 applications related to children's laryngopharyngeal diseases, accounting for 20% of the applications, mainly focused on obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), adenoid hypertrophy, and tonsil hypertrophy, with only 1 application being funded. The scientific research on children's head and neck was mainly related to laryngeal papilloma and lymphatic vascular malformation, with 7 projects being applied for and 2 being funded. CONCLUSIONS: The fundamental research of pediatric otolaryngology-head and neck science in China is at a relatively weak level and lags behind the average level of the discipline. There are relatively few basic researchers engaged in pediatric otolaryngology-head and neck science, and the dominant research units are relatively concentrated. The basic research of children's ear science is relatively advanced in each subspecialty, so the basic research on children's unique congenital and hereditary diseases should be further strengthened.