Over the past five years, Hainan University (HNU) has witnessed a rapid growth in its scientific strengths. A total of 2,226 of its natural science projects have been approved, with a total funding of 617.74 million yuan ($96.7 million). HNU has won the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, as well as the National Key Research and Development Program of China. Four projects have been named as "Modern Agricultural Technology Industry System Scientists Projects" by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Three others were selected for the "Youth Talent Support Project" run by the Chinese Association for Science and Technology.

During the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20), HNU's humanities and social science research saw some great breakthroughs. A total of 1,091 projects were established with a total funding of 85.11 million yuan, including 113 National Social Science Fund of China projects, 83 National Natural Science Foundation of China projects, 23 Ministry of Education projects, and 15 projects which are national or run by other ministries. Eight projects were approved by the Major Bidding Project of National Social Science Fund, and two were approved as National Social Science Major Projects.