CAS-TWAS China Sustainability Science Grants 2025
Imagine partnering with world-class researchers in China, tackling pressing global challenges like climate change, renewable energy, or infectious diseases, all while advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The CAS-TWAS China Sustainability Science Grants 2025 offer a transformative opportunity for TWAS members and young affiliates to collaborate with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Centers of Excellence (CoEs). With up to RMB 600,000 (~USD 83,000) in funding over two years, this program fuels high-impact, SDG-aligned research through international cooperation. At MatokeoNecta.com, we’re excited to guide you through this prestigious grant, from eligibility to application steps, to help you drive sustainable change. Let’s dive into the details!
Why the CAS-TWAS Sustainability Science Grants?
Launched by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), this grant program fosters collaboration between scientists in the Global South and six CAS-TWAS Centers of Excellence. It supports innovative research addressing critical sustainability challenges, such as CO₂ transformation, water management, and disaster mitigation. The program strengthens global scientific networks by funding in-person exchanges, workshops, and equipment, and empowers researchers to create tangible solutions for a sustainable future.
Program Overview
The CAS-TWAS Sustainability Science Grants 2025 provide up to six grants, each tied to a specific Centre of Excellence. Projects run for two years, with funding disbursed annually to support collaborative activities.
Key Details
- Host Organization: Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and TWAS Network for Sustainable Development
- Number of Grants: Up to 6
- Funding per Project: RMB 600,000 (~USD 83,000) over 2 years (RMB 300,000/year)
- Duration: 2 years (starting in 2025)
- Target Group: TWAS Members and TWAS Young Affiliates residing outside China
- Application Deadlines:
- Pre-Application: June 14, 2025
- Final Application: September 1, 2025
Grant Benefits
Each grant supports a collaborative research project with the following benefits:
- Total Funding: RMB 600,000 per project, distributed as RMB 300,000 annually.
- Eligible Costs:
- Travel and Accommodation: Covers in-person research visits and student exchanges.
- Workshops: Participation in training workshops at CAS-TWAS CoEs.
- Equipment and Consumables: Up to 30% of the grant (RMB 180,000) can be allocated for research equipment and materials.
- Funding Management: CAS assigns funds to the CoE, which transfers the appropriate amount to collaborating partners based on the approved budget and work plan.
- Reporting: At the end of the two-year project, both the CoE and collaborating TWAS scientist(s) must submit a final report.
Research Fields and Centres of Excellence
Projects must align with the research focus of one of the six CAS-TWAS Centers of Excellence. Below are the CoEs, their research areas, and contact details:
- Centre of Excellence for Green Technology (CEGT)
- Focus: Mechanism and technology for efficient and selective CO₂ transformation
- Contact: Dr. Wang Gang – wanggang@ipe.ac.cn
- Example Application: Developing catalysts for CO₂ capture and conversion to sustainable fuels.
- Centre of Excellence for Biotechnology (CoEBio)
- Focus: Bio-utilization mechanisms and key technologies for renewable energy
- Contact: Ms. He Liu – coebio@im.ac.cn or hel@im.ac.cn
- Example Application: Advancing biofuel production through microbial engineering.
- Centre of Excellence for Climate and Environment Sciences (ICCES)
- Focus: Predicting climate extremes and their impacts using innovative techniques for disaster preparedness and sustainable development
- Contact: Ms. Hao Bo – haobo@mail.iap.ac.cn
- Example Application: Modeling climate-driven flood risks for vulnerable regions.
- Centre of Excellence for Water and Environment (CEWE)
- Focus: Water and environmental issues in sustainable development
- Contact: Dr. Wang Yawei – wangyawei@rcees.ac.cn
- Example Application: Developing water purification technologies for rural communities.
- Centre of Excellence for Emerging Infectious Disease (CEEID)
- Focus: Prevention and control of tropical infectious diseases and pandemic-potential pathogens
- Contact: Dr. Ma Sufang – masf@im.ac.cn
- Example Application: Studying antiviral strategies for emerging zoonotic diseases.
- Centre of Excellence for Space Technology for Disaster Mitigation (SDIM)
- Focus: Climate-driven flood hazard modeling and critical infrastructure exposure analysis
- Contact: Dr. Wang Lei—sdim@radi.ac.cn
- Example Application: Using satellite data to enhance flood early-warning systems.
For detailed project scopes, visit CAS-TWAS Centres of Excellence.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must meet the following requirements:
- Affiliation: Be a TWAS member (elected or associate) or a TWAS Young Affiliate. Check membership status at twas.org.
- Residency: Reside outside China at the time of application.
- Collaboration: Propose a project involving direct collaboration with one of the six CAS-TWAS CoEs.
- Research Focus: The project must align with the SDGs and the chosen CoE’s research area.
- Team Composition: The lead applicant must be a TWAS member or young affiliate; team applications are welcome, but the lead cannot be China-based.
- Age Limit: None, making it accessible to researchers at various career stages.
Application Process
The application involves two stages, with close coordination between the applicant and the chosen CoE:
Step 1: Pre-Application (Deadline: June 14, 2025)
- Select a CoE: Identify the CoE that matches your research expertise and SDG goals.
- Prepare Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlight your academic and research achievements.
- Research Proposal: Outline the project’s objectives, methodology, SDG alignment, timeline, and expected outcomes (2–3 pages recommended).
- Contact the CoE: Email your CV and proposal to the CoE’s designated contact person (listed above).
- CoE Review: The CoE evaluates proposals and selects the most suitable collaborator(s). If selected, you’ll jointly develop the final application.
Step 2: Final Application (Deadline: September 1, 2025)
- Complete the Application Form: Download the form from twas.org.
- Collaborate with CoE: Work with the CoE to refine the proposal, budget, and work plan.
- Submit Application: Send the completed form and supporting documents to
- Required Documents:
- Completed application form (signed by the lead applicant and CoE representative).
- Detailed research proposal (including SDG alignment and collaboration plan).
- Budget breakdown (detailing travel, workshops, equipment, etc.).
- CVs of all team members.
- Letter of support from the CoE.
Selection Process
- CoE Evaluation: Each CoE shortlists proposals based on scientific merit, feasibility, and SDG impact.
- Final Review: TWAS and CAS jointly assess applications, prioritizing innovative, collaborative projects.
- Funding Allocation: CAS disburses funds to the CoE, which manages transfers to collaborators per the approved budget.
- Notification: Successful applicants are notified by late 2025, with projects starting in 2026.
Post-Project Requirement
At the end of the two-year project, the CoE and TWAS collaborator(s) must submit a final report detailing outcomes, publications, and SDG contributions to TWAS and CAS.
Tips for a Winning Application
- Align with SDGs: Demonstrate how your project addresses specific SDGs (e.g., SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation).
- Contact CoE Early: Reach out before June 14, 2025, to discuss your proposal and build rapport.
- Craft a Focused Proposal: Emphasize innovation, feasibility, and the mutual benefits of collaboration.
- Leverage TWAS Membership: Highlight your TWAS affiliation and prior contributions to sustainability science.
- Budget Wisely: Allocate funds for travel and exchanges, keeping equipment costs within 30%.
- Showcase Impact: Explain how the project will benefit your home country or region, especially in the Global South.
Why This Grant Matters
The CAS-TWAS Sustainability Science Grants 2025 are a game-changer for researchers passionate about sustainability. By partnering with CAS’s world-class CoEs, you’ll:
- Access Cutting-Edge Facilities: Collaborate at China’s top research institutes, like the Institute of Process Engineering or Atmospheric Physics.
- Build Global Networks: Connect with leading scientists and young researchers across the Global South and beyond.
- Drive SDG Impact: Contribute to solutions for climate change, infectious diseases, water security, and more.
- Enhance Your Career: Gain international exposure, publications, and recognition through high-impact projects.
This program is especially vital for scientists in developing countries, offering a platform to address local challenges with global expertise. With only six grants available, competition is fierce—start preparing now!
Take the Leap!
At MatokeoNecta.com, we’re dedicated to empowering researchers to seize life-changing opportunities. The CAS-TWAS China Sustainability Science Grants 2025 are your chance to lead groundbreaking research, collaborate with China’s scientific elite, and advance the SDGs. Don’t wait—reach out to your chosen CoE today, craft a compelling proposal, and position yourself as a global changemaker. The world needs your innovation—let’s make sustainability a reality together!
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