The objective of the program is to fund short-term scientific missions (1 to 3 months) with a view of fostering sustained collaboration between Chinese and Quebec researchers who have already conducted research with significant results in the areas of Geology and Climate Change or Optics-Photonics.

The program is offered in partnership between the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies (FRQNT) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). This opportunity is opened to both Quebec and Chinese researchers, though only Quebec researcher can submit an application through FRQNT. Chinese researchers should visit NSFC website for more information on the application process. The following information only applies to Quebec researchers.

The Program is open to researchers who:

• are Canadian citizens or permanent residents (holding a permanent resident card);
• are resident of the Province of Quebec;
• are working in the research areas targeted in the Program in a Quebec college or university;
• have received a letter of invitation from a Chinese researcher holding a faculty position in a university or an affiliated research institute that has been registered by NSFC as a host institution;
• hold one of the following status: university researchers (CHU et CHUN), college researchers (CHC) or institutional researchers (CE).

• Quality of research track record of Quebec and Chinese scientists
• Complementarities of the scientist's methodologies, subject-specific competencies and collaboration
• Exchange project added-value, if scientific collaboration already exists
• Scientific merit of the mission and potential benefits
• Justification for the mission
• Realism of the duration of the mission

The Program provides financial support (round-trip transportation and daily allowance) for one researcher. A maximum of four (4) individual grants per year will be offered in partnership between the FRQNT and NSFC to Quebec researchers.

The FRQNT will pay the round-trip transportation of Quebec researchers (up to 2,500 C$). These amounts can be revised anytime by the FRQNT. The NSFC will pay Quebec researchers an allowance as per local standards (22,500 RMB per month). This amount can be revised anytime by the NSFC.

Travel and health insurances for the researchers for the duration of the mission will not be covered by the FRQNT or NSFC.

In no event shall the FRQNT and NSFC be liable for any damages (including, without limitation, incidental and consequential damages for personal injury or wrongful death) resulting from an accident while the researcher is in China.