Objective To analyze application and funding projects of National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) in the discipline of burns and plastic surgery over the years, so as to provide reference for subsequent fund application and the search for new research directions in the discipline. Methods Annual statistical reports on funding projects and Internet-based Science Information System of NSFC were used to search the application and funding situation of the science foundation projects related to the discipline of burns and plastic surgery during 1986-2018. The relevant situation was statistically analyzed during 2009-2018, including the amount of applications and grant, funding rate, and appropriation. The amount of the application and grant, funding rate, appropriation, and funding strength of multiple series (Exploration, Talent, Tools, Integration) during 2009-2018 were statistically analyzed. Main granted projects in each year during 2009-2018 were statistically analyzed. Funding situation of research direction in the discipline of burns and plastic surgery was analyzed. Results (1) During the past 33 years, the amount of application and funding in the discipline of burns and plastic surgery were on increase trend generally. (2) During 2009-2018, the total funding rate of the science foundation was 18.63% (611/3 279), with a total appropriation of 26 167.5 ten thousand yuan. (3) During 2009-2018, the more funding projects in the discipline of burns and plastic surgery were General Program of Exploration series and Young Scientists Fund, and Fund for Less Developed Regions of Talent series in turn, their funding rates were respectively 19.11% (330/1 727), 17.72%(216/1 219), and 19.26%(47/244), with appropriations of 18 115.0, 4 450.0, and 1 780.0 ten thousand yuan and funding strength of 54.89, 20.60, and 37.87 ten thousand yuan per project respectively. In addition, the funding rate of the Key Program of Exploration series was 6.82% (3/44) with appropriation of 828.0 ten thousand yuan, and funding strength for each was 276.00 ten thousand yuan. The International (Regional) Cooperation and Exchange Programs received 15 applications, and 4 projects were funded with appropriation of 524.5 ten thousand yuan and the funding strength of 131.13 ten thousand yuan for each. National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of Talent series received 12 applications, and 1 project was funded with appropriation of 200.0 ten thousand yuan. Tools and Integration series projects received only a few or no application, and none of the application was funded. (4) The funding amount of General Programs was the most, peaking at 50 in 2012, and was decreased slightly in the past 6 years. The funding amount of Young Scientists Fund was relatively less, but it was on increase trend year by year. The funding amount of Fund for Less Developed Regions was the least relatively, with a steady increase trend in general. (5) The amount of funding projects according to the research direction in the discipline of burns and plastic surgery in the order from more to less were H1507 wound healing and scar (219, 35.84%), H1505 burns (168, 27.50%), H1508 body tissue and organs deformity, damage and repair, and regeneration (143, 23.40%), H1509 body surface tissue organ transplantation and reconstruction (53, 8.67%), H1510 cranial and maxillofacial deformities and correction (27, 4.42%), H1506 frostbite (1, 0.16%). Conclusions In recent years, the amount of science foundation projects in the discipline of burns and plastic surgery was on the rise, mainly including General Programs, Young Scientists Fund, and Fund for Less Developed Regions. In the process of science foundation application in the discipline of burns and plastic surgery, it is necessary to provide more ability training and policy support for young outstanding scientific and technological talents. At the same time, we should attach importance to international and regional academic exchanges, and provide a favorable platform for cooperative projects. Besides, research on new hotspots such as chronic wounds and prevention and treatment of scar or not in popular research such as frostbite should be strengthened.