Abstract: Since the last seven years, the reform of scientific research institutions for public welfare has made important progresses.On the basis of deeply investigating and analyzing the present situation of scientific research institutions for public welfare in China,the major problems of these institutions have been pointed out.Then two major development patterns of these institutions are expounded: operating a scientific research institution as an enterprise or as a non-profit orginazation.

Key words: scientific research institutions for public welfare, structual reform, applying method of business to the institution, non-profit scientific research institution