Call for Applications: Pilot STI Flagship Projects

The BRICS STI Framework Programme Pilot STI Flagship Projects Call supports collaborative research, innovation, and interdisciplinary projects addressing global and societal challenges across BRICS countries. The programme focuses on Digital Earth technologies, psycho-molecular tools for mental health research, and advanced astronomy and data network systems.

Projects must involve partners from at least four BRICS countries and demonstrate strong scientific collaboration between academic and non-academic sectors. Funding will be provided through participating national funding agencies according to each country’s regulations and support mechanisms.

What Is the BRICS STI Framework Programme?

The BRICS STI Framework Programme supports strategic international collaboration in science, technology, and innovation among BRICS member countries.

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen interdisciplinary research
• Support global scientific cooperation
• Develop advanced research infrastructure
• Address societal and environmental challenges
• Promote innovation and technology development
• Build human capital through training and capacity building

Main Thematic Areas

Digital Earth

The Digital Earth theme supports:

• Earth system digital twins
• AI-based weather forecasting
• Climate prediction technologies
• Disaster prediction and response systems
• Environmental monitoring and data sharing

Projects are expected to improve prediction systems for:

• Floods
• Droughts
• Wildfires
• Air pollution
• Climate-related urban risks

The programme also encourages:

• Shared research ecosystems
• Data and software exchange
• Collaborative forecasting systems
• Capacity building and training

Psycho-molecular Tools

This theme focuses on:

• Early detection of psychiatric disorders
• Cognitive disorder monitoring
• Advanced health analytics
• Harmonised data collection
• Collaborative mental health technologies

Projects should:

• Improve predictive mental health systems
• Share methods and protocols
• Address country-specific mental health challenges
• Strengthen scientific cooperation among BRICS countries

BRICS Intelligent Telescope and Data Network

This area supports:

• Multi-wavelength astronomy surveys
• Transient astronomy research
• High-performance computing
• Big data solutions
• Advanced scientific data systems

Projects are also expected to:

• Strengthen academia-industry collaboration
• Support Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies
• Improve scientific infrastructure and data capabilities

Funding Details

Funding will be provided by:

• Participating national funding organisations

Important notes:

• Each country funds its own researchers and institutions
• Funding amounts vary depending on national agency rules
• Financial support mechanisms differ across BRICS member countries

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible proposals must:

• Include partners from at least four BRICS countries
• Include collaborators from at least three other BRICS nations
• Demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration
• Involve at least two scientific disciplines
• Include academic and non-academic participants

Applicants may include:

• Universities
• Research institutions
• Innovation centres
• Industry partners
• Scientific organisations

Key Programme Requirements

Projects should demonstrate:

• Strong scientific leadership
• International collaboration
• Interdisciplinary research approaches
• Innovation and societal impact
• Capacity building and training activities

The programme strongly encourages:

• Knowledge sharing
• Technology transfer
• Research infrastructure development
• Cross-sector collaboration

How to Apply

1. Build a consortium with partners from at least four BRICS countries.
2. Select one of the programme’s thematic areas.
3. Develop an interdisciplinary research proposal.
4. Coordinate with participating national funding agencies.
5. Prepare budgets according to national funding rules.
6. Submit the proposal before the application deadline.

Tips for Applicants

• Build strong international research partnerships.
• Include both academic and industry collaborators.
• Focus on innovation and measurable societal impact.
• Demonstrate interdisciplinary integration clearly.
• Align the project with BRICS strategic priorities.

FAQ

What is the BRICS STI Framework Programme?

It is a collaborative science, technology, and innovation programme supporting strategic research partnerships among BRICS countries.

What themes are supported?

The programme supports:

• Digital Earth
• Psycho-molecular Tools
• BRICS Intelligent Telescope and Data Network

How many countries must participate?

Projects must include partners from at least four BRICS countries.

Who provides the funding?

Participating national funding organisations support researchers and institutions from their respective countries.

Is interdisciplinary collaboration required?

Yes. Projects must involve at least two scientific disciplines.

Conclusion

The BRICS STI Framework Programme Pilot Flagship Projects Call offers significant opportunities for international scientific collaboration across key strategic research areas. By supporting interdisciplinary partnerships, advanced technologies, and shared innovation ecosystems, the programme aims to strengthen scientific capacity and address major global challenges across BRICS nations.