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Call for Proposals: International Research Initiative (Brazil)

Deadline: 03-Mar-2026

FAPESP’s International Research Initiative funds interdisciplinary research projects that use disruptive technologies to tackle major global challenges and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Projects can request up to R$600,000 (Regular Research Grant) or R$4.5 million (Thematic Project), with a maximum duration of three years and cross-sectoral collaboration encouraged. The initiative prioritizes teams combining expertise across science, engineering, health, and social sciences and requires participation from São Paulo-based researchers alongside international partners.

Overview

FAPESP invites applications for its International Research Initiative, designed to support transformative research projects that:

  • Apply disruptive technologies to address global social challenges

  • Advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • Foster interdisciplinary collaboration across multiple scientific and social disciplines

  • Engage cross-sector stakeholders, including academia, government, civil society, and business

The initiative is part of IIDTAC, a multi-agency collaboration supporting international, interdisciplinary research with high societal impact.

Key Concepts

Disruptive Technology

Disruptive technologies are defined as innovations that:

  • Radically alter or replace existing systems, processes, or behaviors

  • Generate transformative economic or social impact

  • Include either cutting-edge innovations or new applications of existing technologies

  • Enable substantial change or paradigm shifts at local or global scales

Interdisciplinarity

Projects must involve at least two disciplines from:

  • Natural sciences and engineering

  • Health and life sciences

  • Social sciences and humanities

Integration of social sciences or humanities expertise is strongly encouraged to enhance implementation and impact.

Funding Details

Funding Modalities

  • Regular Research Grant (RRG)

    • Maximum budget: R$600,000 (excludes Technical & Institutional Reserves)

    • Duration: up to 3 years (+ 12-month extension possible)

  • Thematic Project

    • Maximum budget: R$4.5 million (includes Technical & Institutional Reserves)

    • Duration: up to 3 years (+ 12-month extension possible)

Coverage

  • São Paulo-based researchers funded by FAPESP

  • International partners funded by respective partner agencies

  • Structured forums for knowledge exchange (online/in-person) and engagement with policymakers

Eligibility

  • Project teams must include researchers eligible for funding from at least three participating agencies, such as: FAPESP, NFRF, NWO, IDRC, NordForsk, SNSF, NSTC, UKRI

  • São Paulo-based principal investigator is mandatory

  • Teams must demonstrate balanced collaboration and include non-academic stakeholders as associate researchers

Project Requirements

Eligible projects must:

  • Address at least one SDG

  • Apply disruptive technologies to global challenges

  • Demonstrate high-risk, high-impact potential

  • Include measurable outcomes and a cross-sectoral approach

Duration

  • Maximum 3 years, with the possibility of a 12-month extension

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Teams must engage non-academic partners, including civil society, business, and government

  • Projects should show how collaboration strengthens impact and sustainability

Submission Process

  1. Notice of Intent (NOI) – Submitted to NFRF by Canadian PI

  2. Letter of Intent (LOI) – Submitted to both NFRF and FAPESP via SAGe

  3. Full Proposal – Submitted by teams recommended at LOI stage

Responsibility Split:

  • Canadian PI → NFRF submissions

  • São Paulo PI → SAGe submissions

Note: Strict adherence to deadlines and submission rules is mandatory.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals are assessed by a multidisciplinary, multisectoral panel based on:

  • Alignment with program objectives

  • Interdisciplinarity

  • Equity, diversity, and inclusion in research practice

  • Consortium strength and balance

  • High-risk, high-reward potential

  • Feasibility and clarity of the research plan

Funding decisions are final; no reconsideration requests are accepted.

Data Management, IP, and Authorship

  • Teams are encouraged to establish partner agreements clarifying responsibilities and legal frameworks

  • Submission of these agreements may be requested by FAPESP

  • Clear plans for data management and co-authorship are expected

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Ignoring interdisciplinary requirements (minimum two areas)

  • Excluding social sciences or humanities expertise

  • Exceeding modality-specific budget limits

  • Missing deadlines or procedural rules

  • Weak justification of high-impact or transformative potential

  • Limited cross-sectoral engagement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. Can a project address multiple SDGs?

    • Yes, but at least one SDG must be addressed.

  2. Are non-academic stakeholders mandatory?

    • Yes, associate researchers from non-academic sectors are required.

  3. Can projects exceed three years?

    • No. Duration is 3 years, with a 12-month extension possible.

  4. Is a São Paulo-based PI mandatory?

    • Yes, required for all FAPESP-funded projects.

  5. Can international teams apply without FAPESP participation?

    • No, São Paulo-based participation is mandatory.

  6. How is interdisciplinarity assessed?

    • Teams must involve at least two disciplines; integration with social sciences/humanities is strongly recommended.

  7. Is there a staged review process?

    • Yes, submissions progress from NOI → LOI → Full Proposal.

Why This Initiative Matters

This initiative leverages disruptive technologies to deliver innovative solutions to global social challenges while advancing the SDGs. By fostering interdisciplinary, international, and cross-sector collaboration, it supports high-impact, transformative research with tangible societal benefits.

Conclusion

The FAPESP International Research Initiative provides a unique opportunity for São Paulo-based and international teams to develop high-impact, technology-driven solutions addressing global challenges. Projects combining interdisciplinarity, cross-sectoral collaboration, and alignment with SDGs are strongly positioned for funding.

For more information, visit FAPESP.