Post-Pandemic Recovery Signals New Momentum for Brazilian Research

The São Paulo Research Foundation, known as FAPESP, has highlighted a clear rebound in Brazil's scientific output in its June 2026 coverage. After two consecutive years of decline tied to pandemic disruptions and funding constraints, publication numbers rose again in 2024. This development matters deeply for universities across the country, where research activity underpins graduate programs, faculty careers, and international collaborations.

Brazilian researchers affiliated with institutions published 73,220 articles in 2024, marking a 4.5 percent increase from 2023. The figure remains below the 2021 peak but reverses the downward trend recorded in 2022 and 2023. FAPESP's analysis, featured in the June 2026 edition of its flagship magazine, underscores how recovery has taken hold particularly in São Paulo state institutions that receive the foundation's support.

Understanding the Scale of the Rebound

Scientific output in Brazil reached 80,500 articles in 2021 before falling to 74,500 in 2022 and then 69,656 in 2023. The 2024 uptick to 73,220 articles reflects renewed activity across disciplines. Social sciences showed greater resilience during the downturn, while health and natural sciences drove much of the recent growth.

FAPESP's own 2024 activity report, released earlier, documented record support levels that contributed to this turnaround. The foundation disbursed R$1.76 billion in 2024, funding 27,095 scholarships and research grants—an 18 percent rise from the prior year. This investment directly supports researchers at public universities such as the University of São Paulo (USP), the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), and São Paulo State University (UNESP).

Role of Funding Agencies in the Recovery

FAPESP operates as the primary research funder for São Paulo, which accounts for a disproportionate share of national output. Its 2024 report notes that post-pandemic recovery has been nearly complete for many São Paulo institutions. Federal agencies including the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) have also played supporting roles through scholarships and evaluation frameworks.

CAPES has expanded transformative agreements with international publishers, easing access barriers for Brazilian researchers. A new consortium involving CAPES, CNPq, and FAPESP now oversees operations for SciELO Brasil, the open-access platform hosting hundreds of thousands of papers from national journals.

Impact on Universities and Graduate Programs

Universities form the backbone of Brazil's research ecosystem. The rebound has positive implications for graduate education, where doctoral and master's students contribute significantly to publication counts. Recovery in funding has allowed institutions to maintain or expand research lines interrupted during the pandemic.

At USP, for example, sustained FAPESP support has enabled continued work in strategic areas. Similar patterns appear at UNICAMP and other leading federal universities. Administrators note that renewed output helps attract international partnerships and improves institutional rankings.

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Strategic Priorities Guiding Future Growth

In April 2026, FAPESP announced seven strategic research priorities for the 2026–2028 period: biotechnology; energy transition; biodiversity, sustainable food production and food security; digital transition and artificial intelligence; quantum science and technologies; human and animal health; and violence and public safety. These themes align with national strategies and international trends.

The foundation allocated an additional R$400 million for work in these areas. University leaders view the priorities as opportunities to align graduate training and faculty hiring with high-impact fields.

Challenges Remaining After the Rebound

Despite the 2024 growth, Brazil has not yet returned to 2021 levels. Federal research and development investment remains below pre-2015 peaks. Many institutions continue to face infrastructure and personnel constraints that limit further expansion.

Early-career researchers, including postdoctoral fellows, report ongoing pressures around job security and funding continuity. The recovery has been uneven across regions, with São Paulo benefiting disproportionately from FAPESP resources compared with other states.

Perspectives from Researchers and Administrators

Faculty members describe the rebound as encouraging but fragile. One researcher at UNICAMP noted that renewed grant success has allowed resumption of long-term projects. University administrators emphasize the need for stable multi-year funding to convert the rebound into sustained growth.

International observers point to Brazil's continued global ranking around 14th in article volume as evidence of resilience, while cautioning that further gains will require policy continuity.

Implications for PhD-Track Professionals

For those pursuing academic careers, the rebound creates cautious optimism. Increased publication opportunities strengthen CVs for tenure-track positions at Brazilian universities. International collaborations supported by FAPESP programs offer pathways for joint degrees and postdoctoral placements abroad.

Job seekers are advised to monitor calls aligned with the new strategic priorities, particularly in AI, health, and sustainability fields where demand for expertise is rising.

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Future Outlook and Recommendations

Analysts expect continued modest growth in 2025 and 2026 if funding levels hold. FAPESP's strategic framework provides a roadmap for universities to prioritize high-impact research. Stakeholders recommend closer coordination between state and federal agencies to reduce regional disparities.

Institutions that invest in research infrastructure and early-career support stand to benefit most from the ongoing recovery.

Broader Context Within Latin America

Brazil's experience mirrors trends across the region. Several neighboring countries also recorded publication declines during the pandemic followed by partial rebounds. FAPESP's leadership in open-access initiatives through SciELO positions Brazilian research as a model for equitable knowledge sharing.