To further expand Sichuan University’s international research cooperation network, bring together outstanding global academic resources, support outstanding overseas scholars in conducting on-site research exchange and collaborative research at Sichuan University, and serve the University’s “Double First-Class” development and high-level internationalization, Sichuan University has established the Global Research Scholars Exchange Program (Global Link). The application arrangements are hereby announced as follows:
1. Program Introduction
The Sichuan University Global Research Scholars Exchange Program (Global Link) is open to overseas high-level talents, established scholars, young scholars, and outstanding postdoctoral researchers. Relying on relevant schools, research platforms, and disciplinary strengths of the University, the Program supports outstanding overseas scholars in carrying out short-term residence, collaborative research, academic exchange, team development, and preparation for international collaborative research projects at Sichuan University.
The Program aims to build a high-level platform for international academic exchange and cooperation, promote substantive collaboration between Sichuan University and high-level overseas universities, research institutions, and academic organizations, and facilitate the development of high-quality research outputs and sustainable cooperation mechanisms.
2. Funding Scheme
2.1 Eligible Applicants
The Program mainly supports the following categories of applicants:
(1) Leading and top-tier scholars;
(2) Established scholars;
(3) Young scholars, including outstanding overseas postdoctoral researchers.
2.2 Funding Duration
The funding duration is generally 3 to 12 months. Applicants should determine the proposed period of research exchange at Sichuan University based on the collaborative research tasks, residence plan, and expected outcomes.
2.3 Working Language
The working language of the Program is English or Chinese, subject to the actual requirements of the host school, research platform, and collaborating team.
2.4 Supported Fields
In principle, there is no disciplinary restriction. Priority will be given to proposed cooperation areas that are highly aligned with Sichuan University’s disciplinary strengths, key research platforms, international cooperation network development, and talent development needs.
2.5 Implementation Mode
The Program is implemented through an on-site residence model in China. Funded scholars shall report to Sichuan University according to the time specified in the funding invitation letter and agreement, and shall conduct on-site research exchange, collaborative research, academic lectures, workshops, and preparation for project applications through the support of the host unit at the University. Sichuan University will issue invitation documents in accordance with Program arrangements and assist with visa application and relevant procedures for coming to China.
3. Funding Coverage
This program will provide funding based on factors such as the applicant’s category, length of stay, collaborative tasks, and expected outcomes. The funding may be used for living allowances during the visit, accommodation, insurance, international travel, and other necessary expenses related to project implementation.
For funding details, please inquire separately (Contact: DENG Lian; Tel: +86-28-85407199; Email: l.deng1991@scu.edu.cn). The specific disbursement method and management requirements are subject to the university’s final funding decision, the invitation letter, and the project agreement.
4. Eligibility
Applicants shall meet the following basic requirements:
1. Hold a nationality other than the People’s Republic of China, be friendly toward China, be in good physical and mental health, and comply with Chinese laws and regulations as well as relevant regulations of Sichuan University;
2. Uphold academic ethics, demonstrate rigorous scholarship, and maintain a good academic reputation, cooperative spirit, and record of research integrity;
3. Generally have experience working, conducting research, or undertaking postdoctoral research at a high-level overseas university, research institution, or relevant organization;
4. Have a sound basis for cooperation with relevant schools, research platforms, or collaborating teams at Sichuan University, or have a research direction that is highly aligned with the University’s key disciplines, key platforms, and international cooperation priorities;
5. Applicants in different categories shall generally meet the following requirements:
(1) Leading and top-tier scholars: Applicants should generally hold a professorship or an equivalent position at a high-level overseas university, research institution, or relevant organization; have achieved important accomplishments widely recognized by peers in their fields; possess substantial international influence; and be capable of leading teams in collaborative research. Applicants should generally be under 50 years of age. Exceptionally outstanding applicants may be considered based on individual circumstances.
(2) Established scholars: Applicants should generally hold an associate professorship or above, or another equivalent academic position in their country; have produced influential research outputs in their fields; and be capable of leading or guiding young scholars in research. Applicants should generally be under 45 years of age.
(3) Young scholars and outstanding overseas postdoctoral researchers: Applicants should generally hold an assistant professorship, lectureship, or another equivalent position in their country, or be overseas postdoctoral researchers with outstanding research potential. Overseas postdoctoral researchers should, in principle, be currently undertaking postdoctoral research or have completed their postdoctoral appointment within the past 12 months. Applicants should generally be under 40 years of age and have received their doctoral degree within the past six years.
For exceptionally outstanding applicants who have achieved major research accomplishments, possess special academic expertise, or are highly aligned with the University’s key development priorities, relevant requirements may be relaxed as appropriate.
5. Application Materials
Applicants shall complete the relevant information online as required and upload the following application materials:
5.1 Research Exchange Plan
Applicants shall describe the proposed research exchange work to be carried out at Sichuan University, including the research topic, cooperation basis, residence arrangements, implementation plan, expected outcomes, and follow-up cooperation plans. The expected outcomes should highlight feasibility and evaluability, and may be designed with reference to collaborative papers or monographs, academic lectures, international conferences or workshops, international collaborative project applications, academic network development, and support for key platforms or research teams.
5.2 Curriculum Vitae and List of Representative Outputs
The curriculum vitae should include the applicant’s educational background, work experience, main research interests, academic appointments, and contact information. Representative outputs may include selected papers, monographs, research projects, awards, patents, or other materials demonstrating the applicant’s academic level and cooperation potential.
5.3. Scanned Copy of Passport Information Page
5.4 Certificate of Highest Degree or Current Employment Certificate
Overseas postdoctoral applicants shall also provide relevant documentation certifying their current or completed postdoctoral appointment.
5.5 Cooperation Intention or Recommendation Materials
Applicants who have established contact with relevant schools, research platforms, collaborating supervisors, or research teams at Sichuan University may upload cooperation intention materials or recommendation materials from the host unit at the University. For joint applications, the host unit shall provide an explanation of the cooperation basis, platform conditions, proposed tasks, and expected outcomes.
Application materials shall be truthful, complete, and accurate. In cases of academic misconduct, falsified materials, or other circumstances inconsistent with Program requirements, Sichuan University reserves the right to cancel the applicant’s application or funding eligibility.
6. Application Methods and Procedures
The Program accepts both individual applications and joint applications.
6.1 Individual Application
Applicants shall log in to the relevant Sichuan University application system: https://scu.17gz.org/member/login.do
After registering an account in accordance with the Appendix, “Application System Guide”, applicants shall follow the system instructions to complete the application information and upload the required materials to initiate the application.
6.2 Joint Application
Applicants may first reach cooperation intentions with relevant schools, research platforms, collaborating supervisors, or research teams at Sichuan University. The host unit at the University should then contact the International Office of Sichuan University in advance to obtain and fulfil the “Joint Application Recommendation Form”, and initiate the application. Joint applications should focus on the cooperation basis, implementation conditions, and expected outcomes.
6.3 Review and Notification
Sichuan University will conduct a comprehensive review based on factors such as the applicant’s academic level, cooperation basis, quality of the research plan, disciplinary alignment, and feasibility of Program implementation, and will select funded applicants on a competitive basis. Upon completion of the review, the University will issue an official notification or invitation document to successful applicants.
6.4 Research Exchange at Sichuan University
Funded applicants shall report to Sichuan University according to the time specified in the notification, invitation document, and relevant agreement, and shall conduct research exchange activities through the support of the host unit at the University.
7. Application Timeline
This project accepts applications year-round, with rolling review and merit-based funding. Once the application materials are complete and pass the formal review, the corresponding evaluation and assessment procedures will be initiated.
Applicants approved for funding under the 2026 fiscal year must begin their exchange visit to China no later than December 30, 2027.
8. Contact Information
Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, Sichuan University
Contact Person: DENG Lian
Tel: +86-28-85407199
Email: l.deng1991@scu.edu.cn
Address: Sichuan University, No. 24 South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
Appendix Global Link Application System Guide Global Link Application System Guide.docx