Call for Research Collaboration Grants (Brazil)

The FAPESP/CONFAP/ERC Research Mobility Grant Programme supports researchers based in the Brazilian state of São Paulo to conduct research visits with European Research Council (ERC)-funded research teams. The programme promotes international scientific collaboration by funding research mobility for up to 12 months across a wide range of academic disciplines.

What is the FAPESP/CONFAP/ERC Research Mobility Grant Programme?

The FAPESP/CONFAP/ERC Research Mobility Grant Programme is an international research mobility initiative designed to strengthen collaboration between researchers in São Paulo, Brazil, and research teams funded by the European Research Council (ERC).

The programme enables eligible researchers to join ERC-funded Principal Investigators (PIs) in Europe, fostering knowledge exchange, joint research, and long-term international partnerships.

Rather than funding a standalone research project, this programme supports researcher mobility, allowing participants to contribute to ongoing ERC-funded research while building international collaborations.

Program Overview

Programme Name: FAPESP/CONFAP/ERC Research Mobility Grant Programme
Funding Organisations: FAPESP, CONFAP, and the European Research Council (ERC)
Eligible Applicants: Active PhD holders affiliated with research institutions in São Paulo, Brazil
Research Location: European institutions hosting ERC-funded Principal Investigators
Research Visit Duration: Up to 12 consecutive months or multiple shorter visits
Funding Purpose: International research mobility and scientific collaboration

Grant Benefits

The programme provides financial support to facilitate international research visits.

Funding may include:

International travel expenses
Complementary financial support provided by participating funding agencies
Research mobility assistance during the approved visit

Researchers continue receiving their regular salary or scholarship from their home institution throughout the mobility period.

The ERC grant may also contribute to eligible project-related expenses, such as subsistence allowances or other direct research costs. However, the existing ERC grant budget cannot be increased solely to accommodate visiting researchers.

Research Visit Duration

Eligible researchers may choose one of the following mobility options:

A continuous research stay of up to 12 consecutive months
Multiple shorter research visits, depending on the needs of the collaboration and agreement between participating institutions

The mobility schedule should support the objectives of the joint research collaboration.

Research Areas Supported

The programme supports research across virtually all scientific disciplines.

Eligible research fields include:

Life sciences
Physical sciences
Engineering
Mathematics
Environmental sciences
Computer science
Social sciences
Humanities
Interdisciplinary research
ERC Synergy projects

Researchers are encouraged to collaborate on innovative projects addressing important scientific challenges.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must satisfy all eligibility requirements established by the programme and participating funding agencies.

Academic Eligibility

Applicants must:

Hold a PhD degree.
Be active researchers.
Conduct research at a university, research institute, or research centre located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

Institutional Eligibility

Researchers must be affiliated with an eligible Brazilian institution located in São Paulo.

Additional eligibility requirements may be established by the relevant state funding agency.

Research Abroad Grant (BPE) Eligibility

Applicants may also need to satisfy the conditions of the Research Abroad Grant (BPE) framework, which supports temporary international research stays of up to 12 months.

Applicants should review all applicable eligibility criteria before preparing their application.

What Types of Activities are Supported?

The programme supports research mobility activities that strengthen international scientific cooperation.

Examples include:

Collaborative research with ERC-funded teams
Joint scientific investigations
Knowledge exchange
Methodology development
Laboratory or field research
Data analysis and interpretation
Preparation of joint publications
Development of long-term international research partnerships

Projects should demonstrate clear scientific value and mutual benefit for both institutions.

What Makes a Strong Application?

Competitive applications typically include:

A clear research collaboration plan.
Strong scientific objectives.
Alignment with an ERC-funded research project.
Demonstrated benefits for both research teams.
A realistic mobility schedule.
Evidence of the applicant’s research experience.
Potential for future international collaboration.
Expected scientific outputs such as publications or collaborative projects.

Applicants should explain how the research visit will enhance scientific knowledge and strengthen international cooperation.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to prepare a competitive application.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Verify that you meet the academic, institutional, and funding agency eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Identify an ERC-Funded Host

Find a European Research Council-funded Principal Investigator whose research aligns with your expertise and research interests.

Step 3: Develop a Collaborative Research Plan

Work with the host research team to prepare a research proposal outlining:

Research objectives
Planned activities
Scientific contribution
Expected outcomes
Mobility schedule

Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documents

Gather all documents required by FAPESP, CONFAP, and the relevant funding agency.

Step 5: Review BPE Requirements

If applying under the Research Abroad Grant (BPE) framework, ensure all BPE eligibility conditions are satisfied.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Complete and submit your application according to the official programme guidelines before the application deadline.

Why This Programme Matters

International scientific collaboration plays an essential role in advancing research quality and innovation.

The FAPESP/CONFAP/ERC Research Mobility Grant Programme enables researchers to:

Build international research partnerships.
Access world-class research infrastructure.
Collaborate with leading ERC-funded scientists.
Exchange scientific knowledge and expertise.
Increase international research visibility.
Develop long-term collaborative networks.
Produce high-impact scientific publications.

The programme strengthens both Brazilian and European research ecosystems through sustained scientific cooperation.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid the following mistakes:

Failing to identify an appropriate ERC-funded host researcher.
Preparing a research plan without clear scientific objectives.
Submitting an unrealistic mobility schedule.
Not demonstrating mutual benefits for both institutions.
Ignoring additional eligibility requirements under the BPE framework.
Providing incomplete supporting documents.
Failing to explain the long-term impact of the collaboration.

A carefully prepared application significantly improves the chances of success.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

To strengthen your application:

Select an ERC-funded research team closely aligned with your expertise.
Develop a well-defined collaborative research plan.
Clearly explain the scientific significance of the proposed visit.
Demonstrate how both institutions will benefit from the collaboration.
Present realistic timelines and expected research outputs.
Highlight your previous research achievements and international collaborations.
Ensure all eligibility and documentation requirements are fully satisfied.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the FAPESP/CONFAP/ERC Research Mobility Grant Programme?

Active researchers holding a PhD and affiliated with eligible universities, research institutes, or research centres in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

How long can the research visit last?

Researchers may undertake a continuous visit of up to 12 months or complete multiple shorter visits based on the collaboration agreement.

Which research fields are eligible?

The programme supports life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, mathematics, environmental sciences, computer science, social sciences, humanities, interdisciplinary research, and ERC Synergy projects.

What expenses are covered?

Funding supports travel expenses and, where applicable, complementary financial assistance provided by participating funding agencies. Researchers continue receiving their salary or scholarship from their home institution, while eligible project-related costs may also be supported under the ERC grant.

Can researchers receive additional salary through the programme?

No. Participants continue to receive their regular salary or scholarship through their home institution during the research visit.

What is the purpose of the Research Abroad Grant (BPE)?

The Research Abroad Grant (BPE) framework supports temporary international research stays of up to 12 months, subject to additional eligibility requirements established by participating funding agencies.

What makes a competitive application?

A strong application includes a clear collaboration plan, well-defined scientific objectives, alignment with an ERC-funded project, realistic mobility planning, and demonstrated potential to strengthen long-term international research collaboration.

Conclusion

The FAPESP/CONFAP/ERC Research Mobility Grant Programme provides an outstanding opportunity for researchers in São Paulo, Brazil, to collaborate with leading European Research Council-funded research teams. By supporting international research mobility for up to 12 months, the programme promotes scientific excellence, knowledge exchange, and long-term global partnerships across a broad range of academic disciplines. Eligible researchers should prepare a strong collaboration plan, identify an appropriate ERC-funded host, and submit a well-documented application to maximize their opportunity to participate in this prestigious international research initiative.