# Bilateral Research Cooperation FWO-NSFC (China)

**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) at 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:** 21 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Fundamental research joint projects between Flemish institutions and Chinese partners (NSFC). Research must be carried out at an eligible Flemish main host institution. Covers 8 NSFC disciplines. Staff/consumables: €45k–€85k/year; equipment: up to €150k per project. No distinction between junior/senior projects. Proposals must be submitted simultaneously to FWO and NSFC.

## Summary

The FWO-NSFC Bilateral Research Cooperation programme funds joint research projects between Flemish institutions and Chinese partners over three years, with €45,000-€85,000 annually for staff and consumables plus up to €150,000 for equipment per project. This call supports fundamental research across mathematical, physical, chemical, life, earth, engineering, information, management, and health sciences. A joint application submitted simultaneously to both FWO and NSFC is mandatory, making it suitable for researchers with established Chinese collaborations seeking to formalise cross-border partnerships.

## Who should apply

- Researchers at eligible Flemish institutions with active collaborations in China
- Researchers whose Chinese collaborators are funded by NSFC or affiliated with NSFC-eligible institutions
- Fundamental research projects across mathematics, physical sciences, life sciences, engineering, health sciences, or related fields
- Teams ready to coordinate dual submissions to FWO and NSFC simultaneously

## Key dates

- Next call expected spring 2027 (provisional; verify on FWO website)
- Biennial call frequency
- Three-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Joint submission is non-negotiable, delay coordination with your Chinese partner until both research teams have drafted the technical scope in parallel; misaligned timelines sink proposals at triage.
- The ad hoc joint selection committee includes both FWO and NSFC reviewers, so frame the research benefits for both fundamental science and bilateral capacity-building; avoid Flanders-only framing.
- Equipment budget (up to €150k) is negotiable between partners; clarify in advance which side procures major assets to avoid duplication in the budget narrative.

## Frequently asked questions

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

€45,000-€85,000 per year for staff and consumables plus up to €150,000 for equipment at the FWO side over three years.

### Who can apply for the FWO-NSFC Bilateral Research Cooperation?

Researchers at eligible Flemish institutions collaborating with partners at NSFC-recognised Chinese institutions must submit a joint proposal simultaneously.

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

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

### Do I need a Chinese partner to apply?

Yes, a joint application with at least one Chinese partner whose institution is recognised by NSFC is mandatory.

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

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