FWO
Bilateral Research Cooperation China (FWO-NSFC)
Next call expected spring 2027
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No deadline is on file for this call. Check FWO's own call page for the current round's status before you plan around it.
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.
Details
| 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 |
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.
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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Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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