Research Directions and Keywords under the Secondary Application Codes of the Atmospheric Sciences Discipline of the National Natural Science Foundation of China: D0510 Atmospheric Data and Information Technology

The National Natural Science Foundation of China restructured the financing structure for atmospheric disciplines in 2021, which includes a total of 15 sub-codes that are divided into three categories: (i) Subdisciplines; (ii) supporting technologies; and (iii) development fields. The D0510 “Atmospheric Data and Information Technology” section mainly focuses on advancements in new technologies and methodologies, as well as integrations between atmospheric theories and technologies. In this case study, we interpret the background, logical structure, and setting of the four major research directions and keywords in the new D0510 “Atmospheric Data and Information Technology” section. This paper highlights D0510’s primary objectives for enhancing inclusiveness and coverage in atmospheric disciplines, as well as D0510’s leading roles in promoting inclusive and potentially disruptive technologies. We also provide statistical analyses of the fund applications and bibliometrics in terms of keywords in each direction of D0510 over the past years. Overall, our goal is to assist relevant researchers in better understanding the future development of the D0510 section, as well as the connotation and logical relationships among keywords, research directions, and sub-categories from various categories, which will ultimately help researchers in their research direction and keyword selection.