FWO
Bilateral Research Cooperation China
Next call expected spring 2027; Call 2024 is closed (feedback sent Feb–Mar 2025)
Last updated:
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/year for staff & consumables + up to €150k equipment per project (FWO side) |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Consortium | Required — joint project with at least one Chinese partner (NSFC); parallel submission required at both FWO and NSFC |
| Application | Single stage: simultaneous submission to FWO (E-loket) and NSFC, followed by joint peer review and ad hoc interdisciplinary selection committee |
| Frequency | Biennial |
| Next round | 2027-03 |
| Eligible countries | BE |
Eligibility & scope
Fundamental research joint projects between Flemish institutions and Chinese partners (NSFC). Covers mathematical/physical, chemical, life, earth, engineering/material, information, management, and health sciences. Flemish PI must be based at an eligible Flemish host institution. Equipment funding up to €150k additional. Budget bounds reflect 3-year total for staff/consumables (€45k–€85k/year × 3).
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.
Related on Grantsby
- FWO writing tips & FAQ
Evaluation criteria, proposal structure, common mistakes.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
Similar grants
Bilateral Research Cooperation State of São Paulo (Brazil)
FWO€45k–€85k/year for staff & consumables + up to €150k equipment per projectWeave Lead Agency – Belgium (Flanders)
SNSFDeadline: 1 Apr 2027CASS (China) - Bilateral call with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
F.R.S.-FNRS (Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique)Deadline: 30 Sept 2026Weave / Lead Agency / International Co-Investigator Scheme
SNSFDeadline: 1 Oct 2026SBO (Strategic Basic Research) projects
FWODeadline: 25 Sept 2026€45.5M total (guideline ~€1.7M excl. overhead per project; max €500k/year incl. overhead per legal entity)
Browse Related
Could Bilateral Research Cooperation China be right for you?
See your personalised match score for this grant and others in 30 seconds. No signup needed to preview.
See my matches free →