ENTRANCE Focus Trip #3 – Circular Futures: China & Taiwan 2026

As part of the ENTRANCE project, researchers are invited to join a week-long academic delegation to Beijing, Hangzhou, and Hsinchu. The focus of the trip: fresh perspectives and knowledge exchange on the circular economy. Application deadline: November 16, 2025

Traveldate: March 21–28, 2026
Destinations: Beijing (including Tsinghua University), Hangzhou (Zhejiang University) and Hsinchu/Taiwan – further details on the programme will follow later.

Delegation leaders & selection committee chairs
Prof. Kathrin Greiff – Rectorate Representative for Sustainability, RWTH Aachen University
Prof. Kai-Uwe Schröder – Rectorate Representative for Cooperation with China, RWTH Aachen University

Funding

Each participant will receive a minimum of €2,000 to cover travel expenses (estimated total cost: €3,000). Funding is provided through the ENTRANCE project, supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

Who can apply

Postdocs and professors from any discipline whose research relates to the circular economy – for example in materials science, chemistry, engineering, environmental research, information and communication technology, energy research, economics, environmental law, or political science.
Preference will be given to applicants with little or no prior experience in China.

Application

Application – in 3 short steps

1) Half-page letter of motivation

• How does your research relate to the circular economy?
• Why is it important for you to gain a personal impression of the scientific environment in these three regions?

2) Letter of support from your institute director (if applicable)

3) Funding preference

• Will the minimum ENTRANCE grant be sufficient? (budget is limited), or
• Will the trip be self-funded or covered as an institutional business trip?

Please note: travel costs must be paid in advance by you or your institution.

Send your documents as a PDF to entrance@jara.org - Subject line: Focus Trip 2026 – Circular Economy – [Your last name]

Application deadline: November 16, 2025

What to expect

The trip focuses on in-depth academic exchange on how China and Taiwan are closing material loops, rethinking value chains, and turning waste into competitive advantages.
This is the third thematic focus trip within the ENTRANCE project and is aimed exclusively at researchers whose work addresses aspects of the circular economy.

No experience in China? Even better – we are specifically looking for fresh perspectives.

Each of the three locations offers unique insights into advanced research landscapes and potential synergies:

• Beijing is a global academic hub, home to a high concentration of leading universities and researchers.
• Hangzhou, still under the radar in Germany, is a vibrant high-tech center with a dynamic start-up scene and Zhejiang University at its core.
• Hsinchu is one of the world’s key innovation clusters for high-tech research and development.

Experiencing these three environments in just one week means gaining a deep understanding of how global research standards are shaped – from fundamental science to industrial application.

If you’re unsure about participating due to geopolitical tensions: this is precisely why this trip is worth it.
ENTRANCE offers a first, open encounter – with no pressure to produce results, but with a structured program:

We take care of the logistics, provide background insights, and create space for your questions, observations, and personal contacts.
Traveling with up to 20 like-minded researchers also opens up valuable networking opportunities and fresh perspectives.

In short: This trip offers a safe, well-organized opportunity to explore whether China and Taiwan might become part of your scientific future.

✅ Visa-free entry is expected to remain in place for most nationalities in 2026.

⚠️ Travel expenses must be pre-financed by you or your institution.