# Bilateral Research Cooperation China (FWO-NSFC)

**Funder:** FWO
**Budget:** €45k–€85k per year per project (max €150k for equipment)
**Duration:** 3 years
**Consortium:** Required — joint research project with Chinese partner(s) (FWO applicant + NSFC partner, parallel application to both agencies)
**Application:** Joint submission to both FWO and NSFC; eligibility check, external peer review, then joint Flemish-Chinese selection committee
**Frequency:** Biennial
**Next round:** 2027-04
**Eligible countries:** BE
**Official call:** https://www.fwo.be/en/support-programmes/all-calls/senior-researchersresearch-teams/bilateral-research-cooperation-china/
**Last updated:** 4 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Joint fundamental research projects between a Flemish main host institution and Chinese partner(s) under the FWO-NSFC bilateral agreement, covering mathematical & physical sciences, chemical sciences, life sciences, earth sciences, engineering & material sciences, information sciences, management sciences and health sciences. Requires parallel application at FWO and NSFC; no distinction between junior/senior research projects for this call.

## 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.

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