# Bilateral Research Cooperation China

**Funder:** FWO
**Budget:** €45k–€85k/year for staff & consumables + up to €150k equipment per project
**Duration:** 3 years
**Consortium:** Required — joint application with Chinese partner(s) at NSFC
**Application:** Joint submission to FWO (online E-loket) and NSFC simultaneously; eligibility check; external peer review; ad hoc joint interdisciplinary selection committee ranking; Board of Trustees final decision
**Frequency:** Biennial
**Next round:** 2027-03
**Eligible countries:** BE
**Official call:** https://www.fwo.be/en/support-programmes/all-calls/senior-researchersresearch-teams/bilateral-research-cooperation-china/
**Last verified:** 8 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Fundamental research joint projects with Chinese partners across 8 NSFC disciplines. Host institution must be an eligible Flemish institution. FWO budget covers staff & consumables (€45k–€85k/year) plus equipment (up to €150k total); Chinese side funded by NSFC. No distinction between junior/senior projects. Proposals submitted simultaneously to FWO and NSFC.

## Summary

The FWO Bilateral Research Cooperation China programme funds three-year fundamental research projects in partnership with Chinese institutions, offering €45,000-€85,000 per year for staff and consumables plus up to €150,000 for equipment on the Flemish side. Applicants must be based at an eligible Flemish institution and submit joint applications simultaneously with NSFC-funded Chinese partners across eight eligible research disciplines. This is a competitive, peer-reviewed call running biennially with the next round expected in spring 2027.

## Who should apply

- Researchers at eligible Flemish academic institutions
- Established research groups with an identified Chinese partner institution and NSFC funding
- Fundamental research projects aligned with one of eight eligible NSFC disciplines
- Teams prepared for dual, simultaneous submission to FWO and NSFC

## Key dates

- Next call expected spring 2027 (biennial schedule)
- Joint submission to FWO E-loket and NSFC simultaneously
- Three-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Partner identification is critical, confirm NSFC eligibility and capacity of your Chinese counterpart before submission, as joint proposals are rejected if either side fails initial triage.
- The application timeline demands parallel preparation: coordinate timelines with your Chinese collaborators early, as FWO and NSFC deadlines may not align perfectly.
- Frame your research question in terms relevant to both funders' disciplinary scopes, NSFC categorisation may differ subtly from Flemish research taxonomy.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does FWO provide for Bilateral Research Cooperation China?

Up to €45,000-€85,000 per year for staff and consumables, plus up to €150,000 total for equipment, over three years (€135,000-€405,000 per project on the Flemish side).

### Who can apply to FWO Bilateral Research Cooperation China?

Researchers based at eligible Flemish institutions with a confirmed Chinese partner institution funded by NSFC.

### Is a Chinese partner required for this FWO call?

Yes, joint applications with NSFC-funded Chinese partners are mandatory; proposals are submitted simultaneously to both FWO and NSFC.

### Which research disciplines are eligible for FWO Bilateral Research Cooperation China?

Eight NSFC disciplines are eligible; verify your research area aligns with one of these on the FWO website.

### How often does the FWO Bilateral Research Cooperation China call open?

The call runs biennially; the next round is expected in spring 2027.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/fwo-bilateral-research-cooperation-china-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.