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BORDEAUX - WATERLOO JOINT GRANTS

The University of Waterloo (UW) and the University of Bordeaux (UBx) are delighted to announce the official launch of their 2026 joint call for proposals to support collaborative projects between our campuses. This joint program is the result of a solid partnership that goes back more than a decade with multiple joint funding calls that have nurtured many successful collaborations to date. Both institutions wish to further develop these collaborations with dedicated funds. This initiative is designed to stimulate collaborations that can respond to larger funding calls.

Call for proposals - 2026

This call will provide seed funding for UBx-UW teams, with the goal of building to externally funded projects from various international funding opportunities, such as Horizon Europe, NFRF- International, NSERC Alliance International. This call is encouraging applications in Health-related Research, AI, Cybersecurity.


Preference will be given to submissions that will lead to the creation of new UBx-UW teams. Submissions from established teams are eligible if they are exploring a new project, with preference given to those that have applied for/received external funding for a previous project.


Eligibility

  • Each application requires at least one lead investigator from each of UBx and UW.
  • Other Investigators may be included as the project requires.
  • Individuals may participate (as PI or co-I) on only one application to this competition.
  • Mobility of students is encouraged across the two institutions.
  • Publication arising should be joined.


Available funding

The maximum total grant (for both UW and UBx teams) is up to ~ $30,000 CAD for a term of 18 months, to be shared equally (i.e. $15,000 CAD for UW researcher(s) and €10,000 for UBx researcher(s)).


Total funding available for the competition is $75,000 CAD for UW and €50,000 for UBx to fund up to 5 joint proposals.


Submission instructions

Deadline: October 30th, 2026

Combine the application form (available via this link)  and attachments into a single pdf file and submit your application directly below.

An e-Cover sheet must be submitted by the deadline for all UW applicants.

An e-Cover sheet signed by Research department directors is incorporated into the application form and must be submitted by the deadline for all UBx applicants.

Applicants must use a standard, single-column on an 8.5” x 11” or A4 page layout. The proposal must be written using a 12-point, black-coloured font, single line spacing (six lines per inch) and with no condensed type or spacing, with a margin of no less than 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) around the page.


Application documents

Curriculum Vitae: a short CV for each of the lead researchers (maximum 3 pages each)

Plain language summary (in application form): 1500 characters maximum

Keywords (in application form): up to 5 keywords

Description of Proposed Collaboration (3 pages max.)

  • Include an introduction, background, objectives, methodology, key challenges/problems the project will address, how it is innovative and a dissemination plan.
  • Briefly state the key areas of expertise of the researchers involved.
  • Explain the complementary nature of the project and the value-added as a result of the collaboration and how it aligns with both institutions’ strategies.

Expected Outcomes and Impacts (3 pages max.)

  • Briefly state expected outcomes, including for example: scientific advances, technology development, policy formulation, new training program, scholarship, societal benefit(s)/transitions.
  • Provide plan for future funding and explain how the UW-UBx team will proceed to ensure the sustainability of the activities.
  • Describe potential evidence of research outcomes for this collaboration (e.g. Publications, joint extramural grant application, etc.).

Activity Plan (table included in application form)

References (1 page)

Budget (in application form)

  • Provide a separate budget table and justification for the UW and UBx teams, reflecting an equal share of funding between teams. Eligible budget categories include travel, conference and dissemination costs, research operating costs, trainee stipends/salary, and minor equipment.


Evaluation procedure

Applications will be evaluated by expert peer reviewers at each institution, and a joint Bordeaux-Waterloo Committee, co-chaired by the UW Associate Vice-President, Research Grants and Infrastructure and both UBx Vice-Presidents for International Affairs – or designate - will make the final determination for the awards.

Evaluation criteria include:

  • Innovation of project
  • Feasibility of project
  • Added value of complementary expertise of joint research teams
  • Potential impact of project outcomes
  • Dissemination plan
  • Plan for future funding        


Questions / comments

Please direct any questions or comments to Susan Kaai, Senior Manager, International Research, OVPRI-UW at: skaai@uwaterloo.ca and/or Anne Blassiau, International Cooperation Officer (UBx) at: anne.blassiau@u-bordeaux.fr

Please note: by applying, you consent to the storage and usage of your data by the University of Waterloo and the University of Bordeaux for the processing of your application.