FICA-SP Research Career Development Program (Brazil)

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The FICA-SP Program is accepting applications from early-career researchers to establish independent research careers in São Paulo, Brazil. Implemented by FAPESP in partnership with CNPq and CAPES, the programme supports up to 100 innovative research projects with funding of up to R$1,500,000 per project, along with scholarships for principal investigators and postgraduate students.

The initiative aims to attract and retain talented researchers, strengthen scientific careers, and support high-impact research that contributes to science, technology, innovation, and public engagement.

FICA-SP Program Overview

The FICA-SP Program (Programa FICA-SP) is a competitive research funding initiative that supports early-career researchers in building independent academic careers in the State of São Paulo.

The programme is launched by FAPESP (São Paulo Research Foundation) in partnership with CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development) and CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel) as part of CNPq’s national PROFIX Program.

The initiative funds independent research projects across all fields of knowledge while helping talented researchers establish long-term careers at universities and research institutions throughout São Paulo.

Purpose of the FICA-SP Program

The programme aims to strengthen Brazil’s scientific research ecosystem by creating opportunities for outstanding early-career researchers.

Its objectives include:

• Attracting highly qualified researchers to São Paulo
• Retaining talented early-career scientists
• Supporting independent research careers
• Advancing science, technology, and innovation
• Funding innovative and high-impact research
• Expanding scientific knowledge
• Supporting public engagement with science
• Strengthening universities and research institutions

The programme encourages researchers to establish independent scientific careers while contributing to national and international research excellence.

Why This Program Matters

Many recently graduated PhD researchers face challenges in securing stable research opportunities while developing independent careers.

The FICA-SP Program addresses these challenges by providing:

• Long-term research funding
• Career development opportunities
• Research infrastructure support
• Investigator scholarships
• Graduate student supervision opportunities
• Public engagement activities
• Institutional collaboration

The programme strengthens Brazil’s research capacity while helping early-career scientists become future research leaders.

Priority Focus Areas

The programme supports projects across all areas of knowledge while emphasizing several strategic priorities.

Independent Research Careers

The programme helps researchers establish independent academic careers by:

• Supporting independent research leadership
• Encouraging scientific autonomy
• Reducing dependence on former supervisors
• Building long-term research programmes

Researchers are expected to demonstrate clear academic independence.

Science, Technology and Innovation

Projects should contribute to:

• Scientific advancement
• Technological innovation
• Knowledge generation
• Research excellence
• Societal impact

Innovative and high-impact research is strongly encouraged.

Research Excellence

Funding supports projects that:

• Address important scientific questions
• Produce high-quality research outcomes
• Generate new knowledge
• Strengthen academic institutions

Projects should demonstrate strong scientific merit.

Science Communication and Public Engagement

Each funded project is expected to include activities that communicate research outcomes to wider audiences.

Examples include:

• Science communication initiatives
• Educational activities
• Public lectures
• Community engagement
• Science popularization
• Knowledge dissemination

These activities help increase public understanding of science and technology.

Funding Information

Successful applicants may receive substantial financial support.

The programme provides:

• Research funding: Up to R$1,500,000 per approved project
• Project duration: Up to 51 months
• Number of projects supported: Up to 100

Funding supports the implementation of innovative research projects across multiple disciplines.

Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to research funding, the programme offers scholarship support through partner agencies.

Knowledge Brazil Scholarship (BCB-1)

Principal Investigators may receive:

• Knowledge Brazil Scholarship (BCB-1) provided by CNPq
• Scholarship duration of up to 48 months

This scholarship supports researchers during the implementation of their independent research projects.

CAPES Postgraduate Scholarships

Eligible projects may also receive:

• One Master’s scholarship, or
• One Doctoral scholarship

These scholarships are available for principal investigators who serve as principal advisors within accredited postgraduate programmes.

Applicants must specify the scholarship type requested when submitting their proposal.

Research Project Requirements

Projects should demonstrate:

• Scientific excellence
• Innovation
• High research impact
• Clear research methodology
• Institutional support
• Long-term research potential

Projects should also integrate educational or public engagement activities aligned with the research objectives.

Science Communication Requirements

All funded projects are expected to include activities that improve public understanding of science.

Activities may include:

• Public lectures
• Educational workshops
• Science outreach programmes
• Research dissemination
• Public exhibitions
• Educational materials
• Community engagement initiatives

These activities should communicate the project’s objectives, findings, and broader societal benefits.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to early-career researchers who:

• Demonstrate strong scientific and academic potential
• Show independence from former advisors or supervisors
• Do not have an employment relationship at the time of proposal submission
• Meet the eligibility requirements regarding undergraduate and doctoral degree completion
• Propose an eligible research project

Applicants should demonstrate readiness to establish an independent research career.

Host Institution Requirements

The host institution must:

• Provide appropriate research infrastructure
• Support implementation of the proposed project
• Demonstrate institutional commitment
• Ensure suitable research facilities
• Support the investigator throughout the project period

Institutional support is an important component of project eligibility.

How to Apply for the FICA-SP Program

Researchers should prepare a comprehensive proposal demonstrating scientific excellence and research independence.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should verify that they:

• Meet the early-career researcher requirements
• Have no employment relationship at submission
• Meet academic qualification requirements
• Demonstrate research independence

Step 2: Develop the Research Proposal

The proposal should clearly explain:

• Research objectives
• Scientific significance
• Innovation
• Methodology
• Expected outcomes
• Broader societal impact

Projects should demonstrate originality and scientific excellence.

Step 3: Prepare the Budget

Applicants should prepare a realistic project budget that outlines:

• Research expenses
• Equipment
• Materials
• Personnel
• Project implementation costs

Budget requests should align with programme guidelines.

Step 4: Include Science Communication Activities

Applicants should describe how they will:

• Share research findings
• Engage the public
• Promote science education
• Disseminate scientific knowledge

These activities should complement the proposed research.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Researchers should submit a complete proposal, including all required documentation and scholarship requests, before the official application deadline.

Common Application Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Failing to demonstrate research independence
• Submitting incomplete proposals
• Omitting science communication activities
• Weak project methodology
• Unrealistic budgets
• Insufficient institutional support

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Highlight scientific originality
• Demonstrate independence from previous supervisors
• Present a clear research methodology
• Include measurable outcomes
• Develop a realistic budget
• Explain the broader impact of the research
• Integrate meaningful science communication activities

Why This Funding Opportunity Matters

The FICA-SP Program helps develop the next generation of scientific leaders by providing substantial funding, scholarships, and institutional support.

The programme contributes to:

• Research excellence
• Scientific innovation
• Academic career development
• Technology advancement
• Public engagement with science
• Knowledge transfer
• International competitiveness of Brazilian research

By investing in independent researchers, the programme strengthens São Paulo’s position as a leading centre for scientific research and innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the FICA-SP Program?

The FICA-SP Program is a research funding initiative led by FAPESP, in partnership with CNPq and CAPES, that supports early-career researchers in establishing independent research careers in São Paulo.

How much funding is available?

Each approved research project may receive up to R$1,500,000 for a project lasting up to 51 months.

How many projects will be funded?

The programme intends to support up to 100 research projects across all fields of knowledge.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants are early-career researchers with strong academic potential who demonstrate independence from former supervisors, have no employment relationship at the time of proposal submission, and meet the programme’s academic eligibility requirements.

Are scholarships included?

Yes. CNPq may provide a Knowledge Brazil Scholarship (BCB-1) for up to 48 months, and CAPES may provide one Master’s or one Doctoral scholarship for eligible projects.

Are science communication activities required?

Yes. Every funded project is expected to include educational, science communication, or public engagement activities that help share scientific and technological knowledge with broader audiences.

Can research from any discipline be submitted?

Yes. The FICA-SP Program supports innovative research projects across all areas of knowledge, provided they meet the programme’s scientific and eligibility requirements.

Conclusion

The FICA-SP Program 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers to launch independent scientific careers with substantial research funding, scholarships, and institutional support.

By supporting innovative research, career development, and science communication, the programme strengthens São Paulo’s research ecosystem while helping talented scientists generate knowledge, foster innovation, and contribute to scientific and technological advancement.

For more information, visit FAPESP.