China-EU CFM call launched
China has published the first call for proposals under its R&I Co-Funding Mechanism (CFM) with the EU.
The call will enable China-based entities that are part of successful proposals under the current Horizon 2020 work programme, and submitted bids to the 2016 work programme, to apply for co-funding from the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST).
MOST has set aside an annual budget of Chinese ¥200m (~€30m) for the EU-China Co-Funding Mechanism until 2020. It’s hoped the move will help realise further collaboration between European and Chinese research and innovation stakeholders.
The first CFM call will provide funds for mainland China-based participants in the areas of agriculture, biotechnology, ICT, space, energy and health. Money will also be on offer in the areas of transport, environment, advanced manufacturing, new materials and the exchange of young scientists.
The EU-China CFM was agreed at the EU-China Innovation Cooperation Dialogue and endorsed by the 17th EU-China Summit in June. The European Commission says it expects to continue spending over €100n per year for the benefit of Europe-based entities in joint projects under Horizon 2020 with Chinese participants.
A similar call was published by the Hong Kong Research Grant Council on 18 November for Hong-Kong based entities. More details on the EU-China CFM can be found here.
