# Bilateral Research Cooperation China (FWO-NSFC)

**Funder:** FWO
**Budget:** €45k–€85k/year (staff & consumables) + up to €150k (equipment) per project
**Duration:** 3 years
**Consortium:** Required — joint application with Chinese partner(s) affiliated to NSFC
**Application:** Single stage: simultaneous submission to FWO (E-loket) and NSFC, followed by eligibility check, external peer review, and joint interdisciplinary selection committee ranking
**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:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Fundamental research (mathematical/physical, chemical, life, earth, engineering/material, information, management, health sciences) carried out at an eligible Flemish host institution in collaboration with Chinese partner(s). No distinction between junior/senior projects. FWO budget: min €45k, max €85k/year for staff & consumables; max €150k equipment per project. Proposals must be submitted simultaneously to FWO and NSFC.

## Summary

The FWO-NSFC Bilateral Research Cooperation call funds fundamental research across all disciplines carried out jointly by Flemish and Chinese institutions, with grants of €45,000-€85,000 per year for staff and consumables plus up to €150,000 for equipment over three years. Applicants must form a consortium with at least one NSFC-affiliated Chinese partner and submit simultaneously to both FWO and NSFC. This is a competitive biennial call open to researchers at eligible Flemish institutions with no career-stage restriction.

## Who should apply

- Researchers at eligible Flemish host institutions pursuing fundamental research
- Applicants with established research partnerships or contacts at NSFC-affiliated Chinese institutions
- Interdisciplinary teams across mathematics, physical sciences, life sciences, engineering, health, and management research
- Consortia prepared to submit identical or closely coordinated proposals to both FWO and NSFC simultaneously

## Key dates

- Next call expected spring 2027 (exact deadline to be confirmed by FWO)
- Single-stage submission: simultaneous to FWO (E-loket) and NSFC, followed by joint review and ranking
- Three-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- The consortium requirement is non-negotiable: identify and formally commit your Chinese partner(s) before submission; late-stage partner coordination risks eligibility failure.
- Simultaneous submission means coordinating timelines with your Chinese collaborators and NSFC administrative deadlines; start this coordination at least 2-3 months before the FWO deadline.
- The joint interdisciplinary selection committee ranks both FWO and NSFC proposals together, so emphasize mutual benefit and complementarity of expertise on both sides; a one-sided proposal will score poorly.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the budget for the FWO-NSFC Bilateral Research Cooperation call?

The FWO portion funds €45,000-€85,000 per year for staff and consumables, plus up to €150,000 for equipment across the three-year project. The NSFC component operates under separate budget rules.

### Is a Chinese partner required for the FWO-NSFC call?

Yes, at least one partner affiliated to NSFC is mandatory. Proposals must be submitted jointly and simultaneously to both FWO and NSFC.

### How often is the FWO-NSFC Bilateral Research Cooperation call announced?

The call runs biennially; the next round is expected in spring 2027 after the 2024 call closed.

### Which research areas are eligible for FWO-NSFC funding?

Fundamental research in all disciplines is eligible: mathematics, physical sciences, chemistry, life sciences, earth sciences, engineering/materials, information sciences, management, and health sciences.

### Do I need to be early-career to apply for FWO-NSFC funding?

No career-stage distinction is made; both junior and senior researchers are eligible.

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