FWO
Bilateral Research Cooperation FWO-NSFC (China)
Next call expected spring 2027
Last verified:
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.
Details
| 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 |
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.
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.
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.
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