As China Space Station enters the application and development phase, achievements in space science and applications have emerged frequently. Against this backdrop, the selection of priorities for space science and applications has become an urgent issue to be addressed. To efficiently allocate resources and facilitate the production of significant outcomes, four criteria for Selecting priorities are proposed, namely strategic value, inherent value of the direction, development value, and feasibility. This proposal is based on the characteristics of the space science and applications field, including high strategic value, strong cutting−edge exploratory nature, and strong resource constraints. In response to the nature of multi−disciplinary and multi−institutional participation, a selection process featuring top−down and bottom−up integration as well as multiple rounds of iteration is adopted. This process ensures the scientific validity and rationality of the results of Selecting priorities for space science and applications. Furthermore, key issues requiring attention are put forward: conducting systematic thinking from the perspective of the disciplinary development ecosystem; verifying through multiple channels to ensure broad consensus; and improving supporting implementation systems to guarantee the implementation of strategic plans.