AEI/DOST-PCIEERD Grant to promote Spanish–Philippine Research

The 2026 AEI–DOST-PCIEERD Pilot Call funds joint research projects between Spain and the Philippines to advance innovation and long-term scientific collaboration. Selected proposals receive support from their respective national agencies and can run up to 36 months.

The call targets high-impact research in areas like advanced materials, clean energy, digital technologies, and health innovation, with up to four projects expected to be funded.

What is the AEI–DOST-PCIEERD Pilot Call?

This is a bilateral research funding initiative between:

• Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI)
• DOST-PCIEERD

The program supports joint research projects that promote:

• Scientific excellence
• Technology development
• Cross-country collaboration
• Innovation and commercialization

Program Objectives

The initiative aims to:

• Strengthen Spain–Philippines research partnerships
• Support high-quality collaborative innovation
• Enable knowledge exchange and capacity building
• Generate impactful, scalable research outcomes

Key Research Areas

Projects must align with one or more of the following priority themes:

1. Advanced Materials

• Functional and nanostructured materials
• Innovative material applications

2. Circular Economy & Manufacturing

• Sustainable production systems
• Resource efficiency and waste reduction

3. Clean and Renewable Energy

• Energy efficiency
• Low-carbon and renewable technologies

4. Smart Mobility

• Sustainable transport solutions
• Mobility innovation

5. Health Technologies

• Medical innovation and health systems

6. Digital & Emerging Technologies

• Digital transformation
• AI, data, and advanced computing

Funding Structure

• Joint funding model:
  • Spanish partners funded by Agencia Estatal de Investigación
  • Filipino partners funded by DOST-PCIEERD

Number of Projects

• Up to 4 proposals expected to be funded

Project Duration

• Maximum: 36 months (3 years)

Who is Eligible?

Filipino Applicants

Must:

• Be affiliated with:
  • Universities or colleges
  • Research and development institutes
  • Public or private entities with proven competence
• Meet eligibility under DOST Grants-in-Aid guidelines

Spanish Applicants

• Must meet eligibility requirements set by AEI

Collaboration Requirement

• Mandatory partnership between Spanish and Filipino research teams

Why This Program Matters

International collaboration is key to solving complex global challenges.

This program helps:

• Build strong bilateral research networks
• Accelerate innovation and technology transfer
• Promote global competitiveness in science
• Support commercialization and real-world application

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be assessed based on:

• Scientific merit and research quality
• Innovation and originality
• Potential impact and outcomes
• Feasibility and methodology
• Financial soundness
• Timeline and implementation plan
• Competence of research team
• Utilization and scalability of results

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process

1. Form a Bilateral Team
   • Partner with a research institution in Spain or the Philippines
2. Define Research Proposal
   • Align with priority themes
   • Ensure strong innovation and impact
3. Prepare Application
   • Include methodology, budget, and expected outcomes
4. Submit to Relevant Agency
   • Spanish applicants → AEI
   • Filipino applicants → DOST-PCIEERD

Tips for a Strong Proposal

• Clearly define joint collaboration roles
• Focus on real-world impact and scalability
• Demonstrate innovation beyond existing solutions
• Provide a clear commercialization or utilization pathway
• Ensure strong coordination between partners

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Weak collaboration between partners
• Misalignment with priority research areas
• Lack of clear impact or outcomes
• Unrealistic timelines or budgets
• Incomplete documentation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who funds the projects?

Spanish partners are funded by Agencia Estatal de Investigación and Filipino partners by DOST-PCIEERD.

2. How many projects will be funded?

Up to four proposals are expected to be selected.

3. What is the maximum project duration?

Projects can run for up to 36 months.

4. Who can apply from the Philippines?

Researchers affiliated with universities, R&D institutions, or qualified entities.

5. Is collaboration mandatory?

Yes, proposals must involve both Spanish and Filipino partners.

6. What areas are prioritized?

Advanced materials, clean energy, digital tech, health, and more.

7. What is the main goal of the program?

To strengthen international research collaboration and innovation.

Conclusion

The AEI–DOST-PCIEERD Pilot Call 2026 is a strategic opportunity for researchers in Spain and the Philippines to collaborate on cutting-edge innovation projects.

By combining expertise, funding, and global perspectives, the program fosters impactful research that can drive technological advancement and long-term international partnerships.