Deadline: 10-Aug-2026
The Young Researcher Research Grant Program supports high-impact, innovative research led by early-career researchers in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. It aims to build independent research careers, attract internationally experienced scientists, and strengthen institutional research capacity. Funding totals include R$ 3,000,000 (with JP scholarship) and R$ 2,500,000 (without JP scholarship).
Overview of the Program
The Young Researcher Research Grant Program is a competitive funding scheme designed to support outstanding early-career researchers conducting innovative and internationally relevant scientific research. It also aims to strengthen research institutions in São Paulo by fostering the development of autonomous research groups.
The programme prioritizes excellence, innovation, and international collaboration, while supporting the establishment of independent scientific careers.
Program Objectives
The initiative focuses on building strong research capacity and promoting globally competitive science.
Key objectives include:
- Supporting high-quality, innovative, and ambitious research projects
- Attracting young researchers with international experience to São Paulo institutions
- Strengthening institutional research infrastructure and capacity
- Supporting the development of independent research careers
- Encouraging international scientific collaboration
- Promoting open-access publication and dissemination of research
- Supporting intellectual property protection and responsible research practices
- Enabling formation of autonomous and well-supported research groups
Research Focus and Scope
The programme supports research across diverse scientific and technological fields.
Key focus areas include:
- Innovative and emerging scientific research topics
- Interdisciplinary and high-impact research projects
- Projects with international relevance and collaboration potential
- Studies contributing to scientific, technological, or societal advancement
The emphasis is on originality, scientific rigor, and global competitiveness.
Funding Structure
The programme provides two funding modalities depending on scholarship inclusion.
Funding allocations:
- R$ 3,000,000.00: Young Researcher Grant including JP scholarship
- R$ 2,500,000.00: Young Researcher Grant without JP scholarship
Funding is intended to support:
- Research project implementation
- Development of research teams
- Infrastructure and operational needs
- Scientific dissemination and collaboration activities
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet strict academic and professional requirements reflecting international research standards.
Applicant requirements:
- Must hold a doctoral degree or equivalent qualification
- Must comply with FAPESP reporting and accountability rules
- Must demonstrate strong and consistent scientific output
- Must have at least 2 years of postdoctoral research experience abroad in a competitive international research group
Exceptional eligibility cases:
- Applicants with 1–2 years of international experience may be considered if they demonstrate:
- Exceptional academic performance
- Strong leadership potential
- Significant international collaboration experience
Institutional Requirements
Applicants must be affiliated with or accepted by a host institution in São Paulo.
Institutional conditions:
- Host institution must be located in the state of São Paulo
- Must provide infrastructure and laboratory access
- Must ensure administrative and technical support
- Must provide physical space for research activities
- Must support open-access publishing practices
- Must enable stable conditions for research team development
Application condition:
- Institutional acceptance may be obtained after preliminary approval, within 90 days
Expected Outcomes
The programme aims to generate long-term scientific and institutional impact.
Expected outcomes include:
- Establishment of independent research groups
- Increased international collaboration and visibility
- Strengthened research capacity in São Paulo institutions
- High-impact scientific publications and outputs
- Enhanced innovation and knowledge transfer
- Improved research infrastructure and sustainability
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Young Researcher Research Grant Program?
- It is a funding programme that supports early-career researchers conducting innovative and internationally competitive research in São Paulo, Brazil.
- What is the funding amount?
- The programme offers:
- R$ 3,000,000 (with JP scholarship)
- R$ 2,500,000 (without JP scholarship)
- The programme offers:
- Who can apply?
- Eligible applicants include:
- Researchers with a PhD or equivalent qualification
- Researchers with at least 2 years of international postdoctoral experience
- Candidates with strong scientific output and research track record
- Eligible applicants include:
- Is international experience required?
- Yes, typically:
- At least 2 years of postdoctoral experience abroad
- Exceptional candidates with 1–2 years may be considered
- Yes, typically:
- Is institutional affiliation required?
- Yes:
- Applicants must be hosted by an institution in São Paulo
- Acceptance can be secured after preliminary evaluation (within 90 days)
- Yes:
- What support must the host institution provide?
- The institution must provide:
- Laboratory and research infrastructure
- Administrative and technical support
- Physical workspace
- Open-access publication support
- The institution must provide:
Conclusion
The Young Researcher Research Grant Program strengthens scientific excellence in São Paulo by supporting early-career researchers with strong international experience. Through substantial funding, institutional support, and emphasis on independence and innovation, the programme aims to build globally competitive research groups and advance high-impact scientific discovery.
For more information, visit FAPESP.