Global Partnership Funding Call Flexible Funds 2026 with Peking University

We invite proposals for collaborative projects encompassing diverse formats, such as the preparation of joint publications, joint teaching activities including “COIL” (Collaborative Online International Learning), organization of workshops or exhibitions, staff exchange, and beyond.

These grants (provided by HUB) support activities to be conducted in 2026, with a special emphasis on proposals demonstrating potential for lasting impact and heightened visibility for the partnership between Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Peking University.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Tandems consisting of one professor, postdoctoral researcher (with an employment contract of at least 2 years at the time of application), or administrative (non-academic) staff member from both Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU) Peking University (PKU) are eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted jointly by partners from both universities. For research projects, please note that applicants and grantees must hold at least a postdoctoral qualification. Please note that funding is not available for student mobility and conference attendance as a stand-alone activity. Preference will be given to projects for which no other sources of funding are available.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants should utilize the provided application form and briefly describe their project, addressing aspects such as project description, budget, joint activities, and the pursued goal.

Selection Procedure: Proposals will undergo evaluation and selection by the International Office at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin based on specific selection criteria (please see below for details).

Grant Amount: Each project may receive a grant of up to € 2,500, depending on the scale and scope of the proposed initiative. 

Funding Transfer: Upon completion of the selection procedure, the allocated grant funds will be transferred to the respective HU faculty or department responsible for the project. 

SELECTION CRITERIA 

Range of Initiatives and Disciplines: Proposals will be assessed based on their capacity to broaden the disciplinary spectrum within the partnership, with the goal of nurturing initiatives from diverse academic fields, faculties, and administrative units. 

Encouraging new collaborations: Existing and new projects are eligible, with preference for new initiatives in the case of similar quality applications. 

Sustainability of the Initiative: The sustainability of proposed initiatives will be assessed, with preference given to projects that demonstrate a clear plan for continuation beyond the funding period. 

Diversity and Inclusion: We value diversity and inclusion in all aspects of collaboration. Proposals that incorporate diverse perspectives, promote gender equality, and support underrepresented groups will be highly regarded. 

Outreach: Preference will be given to projects that include public outreach activities, e.g., lectures as part of the Berlin Science Week. 

TIMELINE AND NEXT STEPS 

Applications for this call are accepted until January 10, 2026. 

You will receive feedback with the communication of results via email no later than 4 weeks after the deadline. 

Projects may start immediately after communication of (positive) results and allocation of funds to your administrative unit. All funds need to be utilized by the end of November 2026. 

Upon conclusion of the collaborative activities, a brief informal report must be submitted. 

CONTACT FOR FURTHER QUESTIONS 

Please contact Ms. Lin Fangfang, Office of International Relations of PKU, for all questions regarding the Flex Funds for HU & PKU collaborations (linff@pku.edu.cn; +86 62757453).