Portugal–Germany Bilateral Cooperation 2026: Joint Research Grant for Researcher Mobility and International Scientific Collaboration

<p data-start="1594" data-end="1991">The <a href="https://www.fct.pt/en/concursos/cooperacao-bilateral-portugal-alemanha-2026-concurso-conjunto/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong data-start="1598" data-end="1645">Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)</strong> </a>of Portugal and the <strong data-start="1666" data-end="1709">German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)</strong> have officially launched the <strong data-start="1739" data-end="1797">Portugal–Germany Bilateral Cooperation 2026 Joint Call</strong>, inviting eligible research institutions and researchers to submit proposals for international collaborative projects aimed at strengthening scientific cooperation between Portugal and Germany.</p> <p data-start="1993" data-end="2408">The programme is established under the long-standing <strong data-start="2046" data-end="2100">Scientific and Technological Cooperation Agreement</strong> signed between Portugal and Germany in <strong data-start="2140" data-end="2148">1990</strong>. Through this initiative, both countries seek to promote international research collaboration by supporting the mobility of professors, researchers, and particularly early-career researchers working in higher education institutions and research organizations.</p> <p data-start="2410" data-end="2575">Successful projects will receive funding to facilitate researcher exchanges and collaborative scientific activities over a maximum project duration of <strong data-start="2561" data-end="2574">24 months</strong>.</p> <p data-start="2577" data-end="2799">If you are a researcher or institution seeking to build international partnerships, enhance scientific cooperation, and promote mobility between Portugal and Germany, this grant programme presents an excellent opportunity.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1d8i142" data-start="2801" data-end="2862">About the Portugal–Germany Bilateral Cooperation Programme</h2> <p data-start="2864" data-end="3046">The Portugal–Germany Bilateral Cooperation Programme was created to strengthen academic and scientific relations between the two countries through collaborative research initiatives.</p> <p data-start="3048" data-end="3071">Implemented jointly by:</p> <ul data-start="3073" data-end="3186"> <li data-section-id="18t0yxo" data-start="3073" data-end="3129">Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), Portugal</li> <li data-section-id="1mrbtni" data-start="3130" data-end="3186">Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), Germany</li> </ul> <p data-start="3188" data-end="3288">the programme supports researcher mobility within jointly developed international research projects.</p> <p data-start="3290" data-end="3522">Rather than funding large-scale research budgets, the initiative focuses on enabling researchers from both countries to work together, exchange expertise, share scientific knowledge, and develop long-term institutional partnerships.</p> <p data-start="3524" data-end="3674">The programme also places particular emphasis on involving <strong data-start="3583" data-end="3611">early-career researchers</strong>, helping them gain valuable international research experience.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1iilpyt" data-start="3676" data-end="3706">Objectives of the Programme</h2> <p data-start="3708" data-end="3745">The joint funding initiative aims to:</p> <ul data-start="3747" data-end="4250"> <li data-section-id="xigfvi" data-start="3747" data-end="3812">Strengthen scientific cooperation between Portugal and Germany.</li> <li data-section-id="jdzyr8" data-start="3813" data-end="3918">Encourage international collaboration between higher education institutions and research organizations.</li> <li data-section-id="16k4vjo" data-start="3919" data-end="3984">Support researcher mobility within bilateral research projects.</li> <li data-section-id="1ggweph" data-start="3985" data-end="4055">Foster knowledge exchange between Portuguese and German researchers.</li> <li data-section-id="1re230g" data-start="4056" data-end="4112">Promote the participation of early-career researchers.</li> <li data-section-id="1i20cjl" data-start="4113" data-end="4169">Build sustainable international research partnerships.</li> <li data-section-id="bwp8a1" data-start="4170" data-end="4250">Encourage scientific excellence and innovation through collaborative research.</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="1qx7x5q" data-start="4252" data-end="4270">Funding Details</h2> <p data-start="4272" data-end="4453">Successful applicants will receive funding from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) to support mobility activities under approved bilateral research projects.</p> <h3 data-section-id="jr0f6b" data-start="4455" data-end="4473">Funding Amount</h3> <p data-start="4475" data-end="4509">Each approved project may receive:</p> <ul data-start="4511" data-end="4551"> <li data-section-id="15q0627" data-start="4511" data-end="4551"><strong data-start="4513" data-end="4541">Annual funding of €2,500</strong> from FCT.</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="1t6jjsd" data-start="4553" data-end="4573">Project Duration</h3> <p data-start="4575" data-end="4596">Projects may run for:</p> <ul data-start="4598" data-end="4620"> <li data-section-id="1uulfkt" data-start="4598" data-end="4620">Up to <strong data-start="4606" data-end="4619">24 months</strong>.</li> </ul> <p data-start="4622" data-end="4759">Funding is awarded on an annual basis and projects may be renewed in accordance with <strong data-start="4707" data-end="4729">Articles 13 and 14</strong> of the programme regulations.</p> <p data-start="4761" data-end="4890">The grant is specifically intended to support researcher mobility and collaboration between Portuguese and German research teams.</p> <h2 data-section-id="13a30tu" data-start="4892" data-end="4909">Who Can Apply?</h2> <p data-start="4911" data-end="5040">The programme is open to a broad range of institutions that are part of the Portuguese National System of Science and Technology.</p> <p data-start="5042" data-end="5073">Eligible beneficiaries include:</p> <ul data-start="5075" data-end="5489"> <li data-section-id="1axpviq" data-start="5075" data-end="5107">Higher education institutions.</li> <li data-section-id="1v9bxt4" data-start="5108" data-end="5132">University institutes.</li> <li data-section-id="rqj0lf" data-start="5133" data-end="5172">Research and Development (R&amp;D) units.</li> <li data-section-id="dgjo8k" data-start="5173" data-end="5194">State laboratories.</li> <li data-section-id="kqyoq1" data-start="5195" data-end="5242">International laboratories based in Portugal.</li> <li data-section-id="15u2cho" data-start="5243" data-end="5323">Private non-profit institutions primarily engaged in research and development.</li> <li data-section-id="1njfb7r" data-start="5324" data-end="5407">Other public and private non-profit organizations conducting scientific research.</li> <li data-section-id="3dz6va" data-start="5408" data-end="5489">Companies of any legal form that participate in scientific research activities.</li> </ul> <p data-start="5491" data-end="5585">Applications must involve collaboration between eligible institutions in Portugal and Germany.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1txt6xi" data-start="5587" data-end="5619">Joint Application Requirement</h2> <p data-start="5621" data-end="5724">Applications must be prepared jointly by the Principal Investigators (PIs) representing both countries.</p> <p data-start="5726" data-end="5739">Specifically:</p> <ul data-start="5741" data-end="5903"> <li data-section-id="1c4knwb" data-start="5741" data-end="5816">The Portuguese Principal Investigator submits the application to <strong data-start="5808" data-end="5815">FCT</strong>.</li> <li data-section-id="1rga456" data-start="5817" data-end="5903">The German Principal Investigator submits the corresponding application to <strong data-start="5894" data-end="5902">DAAD</strong>.</li> </ul> <p data-start="5905" data-end="5979">Both applications should describe the same collaborative research project.</p> <h2 data-section-id="13dq7ve" data-start="5981" data-end="5996">How to Apply</h2> <p data-start="5998" data-end="6071">Researchers wishing to participate should follow several important steps.</p> <h3 data-section-id="15i51h" data-start="6073" data-end="6109">Step 1: Prepare a Joint Proposal</h3> <p data-start="6111" data-end="6232">Principal Investigators from Portugal and Germany should jointly develop a collaborative international research proposal.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1r20u56" data-start="6234" data-end="6281">Step 2: Portuguese Coordinator Registration</h3> <p data-start="6283" data-end="6343">Before applying, the Portuguese Principal Investigator must:</p> <ul data-start="6345" data-end="6424"> <li data-section-id="1itzw59" data-start="6345" data-end="6377">Register for a <a href="https://www.ciencia-id.pt/CienciaID/HomePage.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong data-start="6362" data-end="6376">Ciência ID</strong>.</a></li> <li data-section-id="xy0qxn" data-start="6378" data-end="6424">Create a <a href="https://www.cienciavitae.pt/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong data-start="6389" data-end="6406">Ciência Vitae</strong></a> curriculum vitae.</li> </ul> <p data-start="6426" data-end="6500">The Ciência Vitae CV is mandatory and must be included in the application.</p> <p data-start="6502" data-end="6557">Questions relating to Ciência Vitae can be directed to:</p> <p data-start="6559" data-end="6583"><strong data-start="6559" data-end="6583"><a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" rel="noopener" data-start="6561" data-end="6581">info@cienciavitae.pt</a></strong></p> <h3 data-section-id="mfy23u" data-start="6585" data-end="6619">Step 3: Submit the Application</h3> <p data-start="6621" data-end="6745">Applications from the Portuguese research team must be submitted through the official <strong data-start="6707" data-end="6744">FCT Application Submission Portal <a href="https://myfct.fct.pt/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HERE</a></strong></p> <h3 data-section-id="1xfymbp" data-start="6747" data-end="6786">Step 4: Host Institution Validation</h3> <p data-start="6788" data-end="6926">Following the application deadline, the Declaration of Commitment of the Host Institution will become available on the <a href="https://myfct.fct.pt/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong data-start="6907" data-end="6916">myFCT</strong></a> platform.</p> <p data-start="6928" data-end="6965">The declaration must be validated by:</p> <ul data-start="6967" data-end="7070"> <li data-section-id="1139yl0" data-start="6967" data-end="7021">The legal representative of the host institution, or</li> <li data-section-id="ik1wb6" data-start="7022" data-end="7070">A duly delegated institutional representative.</li> </ul> <p data-start="7072" data-end="7128">Validation must be completed before the stated deadline.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1d1kr4w" data-start="7130" data-end="7152">Evaluation Criteria</h2> <p data-start="7154" data-end="7291">Applications submitted to FCT will undergo scientific evaluation conducted primarily by evaluators affiliated with national institutions.</p> <p data-start="7293" data-end="7356">Each proposal will be assessed according to four main criteria.</p> <h3 data-section-id="100pqrv" data-start="7358" data-end="7393">A. Scientific Merit and Quality</h3> <p data-start="7395" data-end="7418">Evaluators will assess:</p> <ul data-start="7420" data-end="7516"> <li data-section-id="9jjspf" data-start="7420" data-end="7444">Scientific excellence.</li> <li data-section-id="1qb4skb" data-start="7445" data-end="7459">Originality.</li> <li data-section-id="1305y5u" data-start="7460" data-end="7479">Research quality.</li> <li data-section-id="147au4r" data-start="7480" data-end="7493">Innovation.</li> <li data-section-id="1nefetu" data-start="7494" data-end="7516">Overall feasibility.</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="im8m8w" data-start="7518" data-end="7554">B. Quality of the Research Teams</h3> <p data-start="7556" data-end="7576">Assessment includes:</p> <ul data-start="7578" data-end="7704"> <li data-section-id="1l4f4uj" data-start="7578" data-end="7623">Expertise of the participating researchers.</li> <li data-section-id="1d65c2z" data-start="7624" data-end="7649">Institutional capacity.</li> <li data-section-id="j767kb" data-start="7650" data-end="7704">Complementarity between Portuguese and German teams.</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="cdcq3u" data-start="7706" data-end="7754">C. Participation of Early-Career Researchers</h3> <p data-start="7756" data-end="7791">Special attention will be given to:</p> <ul data-start="7793" data-end="7906"> <li data-section-id="7weh7e" data-start="7793" data-end="7862">The involvement of early-career researchers on the Portuguese side.</li> <li data-section-id="179cd4v" data-start="7863" data-end="7906">Opportunities for researcher development.</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="2moqg6" data-start="7908" data-end="7934">D. Mobility Activities</h3> <p data-start="7936" data-end="7968">Evaluators will examine whether:</p> <ul data-start="7970" data-end="8119"> <li data-section-id="uralap" data-start="7970" data-end="8046">Planned mobility activities appropriately support the research objectives.</li> <li data-section-id="rsv9mq" data-start="8047" data-end="8119">Exchange visits contribute effectively to international collaboration.</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="t1xh1x" data-start="8121" data-end="8133">Key Dates</h2> <p data-start="8135" data-end="8190">Applicants should take note of the following deadlines.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1twgd2u" data-start="8192" data-end="8216">Application Deadline</h3> <p data-start="8218" data-end="8252">Applications must be submitted by:</p> <p data-start="8254" data-end="8299"><strong data-start="8254" data-end="8299">11 September 2026 at 17:00 (Lisbon Time).</strong></p> <h3 data-section-id="1ih0bxv" data-start="8301" data-end="8341">Host Institution Validation Deadline</h3> <p data-start="8343" data-end="8394">The Declaration of Commitment must be validated by:</p> <p data-start="8396" data-end="8441"><strong data-start="8396" data-end="8441">25 September 2026 at 17:00 (Lisbon Time).</strong></p> <p data-start="8443" data-end="8509">Late submissions or incomplete applications may not be considered.</p> <h2 data-section-id="pdhtcp" data-start="8511" data-end="8539">Benefits of Participating</h2> <p data-start="8541" data-end="8667">The Portugal–Germany Bilateral Cooperation Programme offers numerous advantages to participating researchers and institutions.</p> <p data-start="8669" data-end="8683">These include:</p> <ul data-start="8685" data-end="9052"> <li data-section-id="1wo1oym" data-start="8685" data-end="8740">Funding to support international researcher mobility.</li> <li data-section-id="h2602w" data-start="8741" data-end="8803">Stronger research partnerships between Portugal and Germany.</li> <li data-section-id="3ub1oa" data-start="8804" data-end="8841">Increased international visibility.</li> <li data-section-id="1qssh8z" data-start="8842" data-end="8898">Opportunities for early-career researcher development.</li> <li data-section-id="1rvo1le" data-start="8899" data-end="8935">Access to international expertise.</li> <li data-section-id="dv5jll" data-start="8936" data-end="8976">Long-term institutional collaboration.</li> <li data-section-id="1svn24l" data-start="8977" data-end="9006">Enhanced research capacity.</li> <li data-section-id="cqfe37" data-start="9007" data-end="9052">Cross-border scientific knowledge exchange.</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="1c1cerr" data-start="9054" data-end="9077">For More Information</h2> <p data-start="9278" data-end="9340">For enquiries regarding the programme, applicants may contact:</p> <h3 data-section-id="1pwtysg" data-start="9342" data-end="9354">Portugal</h3> <p data-start="9356" data-end="9489"><strong data-start="9356" data-end="9372">Sílvia Silva</strong><br data-start="9372" data-end="9375" />Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT)<br data-start="9419" data-end="9422" />Email: <strong data-start="9429" data-end="9452"><a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" rel="noopener" data-start="9431" data-end="9450">silvia.silva@fct.pt</a></strong><br data-start="9452" data-end="9455" />Telephone: <strong data-start="9466" data-end="9489">(+351) 21 392 43 66</strong></p> <h3 data-section-id="1bhlv2l" data-start="9491" data-end="9502">Germany</h3> <p data-start="9504" data-end="9589"><strong data-start="9504" data-end="9520">Ramona Sterz</strong><br data-start="9520" data-end="9523" />German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)<br data-start="9562" data-end="9565" />Email: <strong data-start="9572" data-end="9589"><a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" rel="noopener" data-start="9574" data-end="9587">sterz@daad.de</a></strong></p> <p data-start="9591" data-end="9747">Applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully read the complete call documents and application guidelines before preparing and submitting their proposals.</p> <h2 data-section-id="8dtpi" data-start="9749" data-end="9762">Conclusion</h2> <p data-start="9764" data-end="10451" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">The <strong data-start="9768" data-end="9826">Portugal–Germany Bilateral Cooperation 2026 Joint Call</strong> represents an excellent opportunity for researchers and institutions seeking to establish or strengthen international scientific collaborations between Portugal and Germany. By supporting researcher mobility, encouraging the participation of early-career researchers, and promoting innovative bilateral research projects, the programme contributes to advancing scientific excellence and fostering long-term academic partnerships. Eligible applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their joint proposals early and ensure that all application requirements are completed before the <strong data-start="10409" data-end="10430">11 September 2026</strong> submission deadline.</p> <p data-start="9764" data-end="10451" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">Discover more global Grant opportunities on OFY <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=grant" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>HERE</strong></a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/07/24/portugal-germany-bilateral-cooperation-2026-joint-research-grant-for-researcher-mobility-and-international-scientific-collaboration/">Portugal–Germany Bilateral Cooperation 2026: Joint Research Grant for Researcher Mobility and International Scientific Collaboration</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>