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.