Advancing Global Research Through Strategic Partnerships

The São Paulo Research Foundation has released a series of 2026 calls designed to foster interdisciplinary and transformative international collaborations. These initiatives emphasize the use of disruptive technologies to tackle pressing global issues aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Flagship Multilateral Initiative Targets Disruptive Technologies

The International Joint Initiative for Research Harnessing Disruptive Technologies to Address Global Challenges stands out as a major effort. Participating agencies from Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the Åland Islands support projects that require eligibility from at least three agencies. Teams must include principal investigators from São Paulo alongside international partners.

Proposals focus on areas such as biomedicine, artificial intelligence, ocean technology, space sciences, and agriculture. The notice of intent deadline was March 3, 2026, with full submissions following agency-specific timelines.

Bilateral Collaborations Expand Research Horizons

Multiple bilateral calls strengthen ties with key partners. A fourth joint call with the National Research Foundation of Korea supports projects in strategic areas, with submissions due by June 30, 2026. Up to three proposals from São Paulo and South Korean institutions will receive funding.

The nineteenth generic call with France’s Agence Nationale de la Recherche covers six thematic axes including engineering, chemistry and physics, digital sciences and mathematics, social sciences and humanities, materials sciences, biological resources, ecosystems and the environment, and biology and health. Deadlines align with July 2026 submissions.

Partnerships with German institutions through DAAD and the Berlin University Alliance enable mobility and joint projects across all knowledge areas, with deadlines in June and March respectively. Similar seed funding opportunities exist with the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Illinois, promoting two-year collaborative projects starting in late 2026.

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Thematic Focus Areas Drive Innovation

Calls prioritize interdisciplinary work in high-impact domains. Biomedicine and health-related projects address emerging challenges, while artificial intelligence applications target problem-solving in strategic sectors. Ocean technology and space sciences receive dedicated support, alongside agriculture and sustainable innovation programs in regions such as the Amazon.

Additional emphasis falls on materials science and engineering through M-ERA.NET partnerships, and energy transition research networks funded in part by Finep and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Application Processes and Eligibility Requirements

Researchers submit proposals through the SAGe system for FAPESP components. Most calls require ongoing FAPESP grants for principal investigators based in São Paulo. International partners must secure matching funding from their respective agencies. Project durations typically range from 24 months, with modalities including regular research grants and seedcorn funds.

Webinars and detailed guidelines assist applicants, ensuring alignment with each call’s specific objectives and reporting requirements.

Expected Impacts on Brazilian Scientific Output

These collaborations aim to elevate the quality and reach of research originating from São Paulo. By integrating disruptive technologies, projects contribute directly to global challenges while building long-term networks. Historical data from prior FAPESP international programs show increased publication rates and citation impacts for participating teams.

Funding supports researcher mobility, equipment acquisition, and joint publications, fostering knowledge exchange that benefits both local and international scientific communities.

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Key Deadlines and Timeline Overview

Submissions span several months in 2026. Early deadlines include March for certain multilateral notices of intent, followed by April through July for bilateral calls. Results announcements begin as early as August, with project starts in September. Researchers are encouraged to monitor the official FAPESP calls page for updates and extensions.

Future Outlook and Opportunities for Researchers

The 2026 portfolio signals continued commitment to international engagement. Future rounds are expected to build on these foundations, potentially expanding thematic coverage and partner countries. Early-career researchers and established teams alike stand to gain from these structured opportunities for cross-border innovation.

Participation positions Brazilian science at the forefront of global efforts to address sustainability and technological advancement.