Grants to strengthen the Collaboration Between Türkiye and Brazil

Deadline: 04-May-2026

TÜBİTAK (Türkiye) and CNPq (Brazil) have launched a joint research call to support bilateral projects that generate new scientific knowledge, innovative interpretations, and solutions to technological challenges.

The programme focuses on environment, agriculture, health, ICT, and physics, with total funding of R$ 4 million covering fellowships, mobility, and consumables for collaborative research.

Programme Overview

The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) of Brazil have launched a joint call to support collaborative research projects between the two countries.

The call aims to strengthen international scientific cooperation by funding projects that produce new knowledge, offer innovative scientific interpretations, or address concrete technological problems through joint research.

The programme places strong emphasis on researcher mobility, bilateral knowledge exchange, and high-impact scientific outcomes.

Core Objectives of the Joint Call

The TÜBİTAK–CNPq joint call is designed to advance strategic research cooperation between Türkiye and Brazil.

Key objectives include:

• Supporting high-quality bilateral research projects

• Generating original scientific knowledge and innovation

• Addressing global and regional technological challenges

• Promoting researcher mobility and institutional collaboration

• Strengthening long-term scientific partnerships between Türkiye and Brazil

Projects are expected to demonstrate clear scientific merit, feasibility, and mutual benefit for both countries.

Priority Research Areas and Thematic Focus

The call supports projects across multiple priority fields, with clearly defined thematic areas.

Main Focus Areas

• Environment

• Food and agriculture

• Health

• Information and communication technologies (ICT)

• Physics

Specific Research Themes

Eligible projects may address, but are not limited to, the following topics:

• Decarbonisation in energy-intensive sectors

• Climate change and biodiversity

• Polar studies

• Green and sustainable agriculture

• Plant protection and animal nutrition

• Epidemiology and public health

• Medical diagnostic kits

• MEMS and NEMS technologies

• Semiconductor technologies

• Artificial intelligence

• Surfaces and interfaces

• Statistical and nonlinear physics

• Acoustics and ultrasonics

• Scientific instrumentation

• Nuclear and high-energy physics

Projects should clearly align with at least one of these themes.

Funding Structure and Budget Details

The total funding allocated to approved projects under this call amounts to R$ 4,000,000.00.

Funding Breakdown

• Fellowships: R$ 3,000,000.00

• Consumables: R$ 1,000,000.00

Maximum Funding Per Project

• Up to R$ 300,000.00 for fellowships

• Up to R$ 100,000.00 for consumables

Funding is provided under the Technological Development and Innovation Abroad fellowship categories.

Fellowship and Mobility Support

The programme places strong emphasis on researcher exchange and mobility.

Fellowship Coverage Includes

• Monthly living allowances

• Health insurance

• International air tickets

Brazilian researchers may receive fellowship support for research stays abroad lasting between 1 and 12 months.

Short-Term Mobility Support

• Travel and insurance costs are covered for visits of up to 10 days to Türkiye

This mobility component is designed to enable intensive collaboration and knowledge transfer between partner institutions.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligibility requirements apply to both institutions and principal investigators, particularly on the Turkish side.

Eligible Institutions in Türkiye

• Higher education institutions

• Training and research hospitals

• Public institutions and organizations

• Private companies of any sector or size

Private companies must provide added value and hold a valid trade registry certificate.

Principal Investigator (PI) Eligibility

• Academic PIs must hold a PhD degree

• Public or private sector PIs must hold at least a BA or BSc degree

• Private sector PIs must be employed full-time at their company for at least six months prior to application

Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to manage and successfully implement an international research project.

How the Programme Works

The joint call supports coordinated bilateral research proposals submitted by Turkish and Brazilian partners.

Supported Activities

• Joint scientific research and experimentation

• Researcher exchange and mobility

• Development of innovative technologies and methodologies

• Knowledge sharing and joint publications

Projects are evaluated based on scientific excellence, relevance to the call themes, feasibility, and bilateral cooperation quality.

How to Apply: What to Do

Applicants should prepare a strong bilateral proposal that meets the requirements of both funding agencies.

Key Application Steps

1. Identify a research partner institution in Brazil or Türkiye

2. Define a joint research topic aligned with the priority areas

3. Develop a clear research plan, including mobility and collaboration activities

4. Prepare budget requests within the allowed fellowship and consumables limits

5. Ensure PI and institutional eligibility criteria are met

6. Submit applications according to TÜBİTAK and CNPq guidelines

Both sides of the collaboration must comply with their respective national rules and procedures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid issues that can weaken proposals or lead to ineligibility.

• Submitting projects outside the defined thematic areas

• Requesting funding beyond the allowed limits

• Failing to meet PI qualification or employment requirements

• Weak justification of bilateral collaboration and mobility

• Incomplete or inconsistent project documentation

Clear alignment with the call objectives significantly improves proposal quality.

Why This Joint Call Matters

The TÜBİTAK–CNPq joint call strengthens scientific cooperation between Türkiye and Brazil in strategically important research areas.

By supporting mobility, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving, the programme contributes to scientific advancement, technological development, and long-term international research partnerships.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main goal of the TÜBİTAK–CNPq joint call?

The call aims to fund bilateral research projects that generate new knowledge, innovation, and solutions to scientific and technological challenges.

Which research areas are eligible?

Environment, food and agriculture, health, ICT, and physics, with multiple defined sub-themes.

How much funding is available per project?

Projects may request up to R$ 300,000.00 for fellowships and up to R$ 100,000.00 for consumables.

What does the fellowship funding cover?

Fellowships cover living allowances, health insurance, and international air tickets for Brazilian researchers abroad.

Is researcher mobility supported?

Yes, mobility of 1 to 12 months abroad and short visits of up to 10 days to Türkiye are supported.

Who can apply from Türkiye?

Eligible applicants include universities, research hospitals, public institutions, and private companies with a trade registry certificate.

What qualifications are required for principal investigators?

Academic PIs must hold a PhD, while public or private sector PIs must have at least a BA or BSc degree.

Conclusion

The TÜBİTAK–CNPq Joint Call for Research Projects offers a strategic opportunity for Turkish and Brazilian researchers to collaborate on high-impact scientific and technological challenges.

With substantial funding, strong mobility support, and clearly defined priority areas, the programme promotes innovation, knowledge exchange, and lasting international research cooperation.

For more information, visit TÜBİTAK.