FAPESP Sets Strategic Direction for São Paulo Research Through 2028
The São Paulo Research Foundation, known as FAPESP, has established seven key research priorities that will guide its funding decisions from 2026 through 2028. These areas reflect both global scientific trends and pressing local needs in Brazil, with a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration and real-world impact. Approved by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees in March 2026, the priorities come with an additional allocation of BRL 400 million dedicated to advancing disruptive projects in these fields.
University researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students across São Paulo’s higher education institutions stand to benefit significantly. The priorities align closely with ongoing work at institutions such as the University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo State University (Unesp), and the University of Campinas (Unicamp), while also encouraging partnerships with industry and international collaborators.
The Seven Priorities in Detail
The approved themes are 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. Six of these mirror international science, technology, and innovation agendas, while the final theme addresses a distinctly Brazilian challenge.
Each priority will receive targeted support through existing FAPESP instruments, including Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers (RIDCs), Applied Research Centers (ARCs), and programs such as Innovative Research in Small Businesses (PIPE) and Young Investigator Grants (YIG). Emphasis is placed on expanding startup involvement and integrating advanced data management with artificial intelligence across all proposals.
Implications for Brazilian Universities and Researchers
Higher education institutions in São Paulo are already preparing to align their research portfolios with these priorities. University administrators note that the additional funding will allow for larger-scale projects that combine basic science with applied outcomes. For PhD candidates and early-career researchers, this creates new opportunities for fellowships and collaborative grants focused on high-impact areas.
Cross-cutting requirements mean every funded project must incorporate artificial intelligence for data handling and applied social sciences to evaluate economic, regulatory, and societal effects. This integrated approach is expected to strengthen training programs at graduate schools throughout the state.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration at the Core
FAPESP leadership stresses that the priorities demand integration across disciplines. Biotechnology initiatives, for example, will draw on chemistry, biology, physics, computer science, and mathematics. Similar synergies are anticipated in energy transition projects and quantum technologies, fostering new research centers and joint appointments between departments.
International research centers supported by FAPESP will play a key role in connecting São Paulo universities with global partners, enhancing the state’s position in competitive funding calls and publications.
Photo by Tales Ferretti on Unsplash
Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
The Scientific Board will deliver detailed implementation reports every six months to the Board of Trustees. This regular review process allows for adjustments and ensures investments deliver measurable advances in research quality and innovation capacity across São Paulo’s higher education sector.
University leaders welcome the transparency, noting it provides clear benchmarks for evaluating progress on strategic goals.
Opportunities for Graduate Students and Postdocs
PhD-track researchers and postdoctoral fellows will find expanded pathways through the Young Investigator Grant program and targeted calls within the seven priority areas. Many universities are already updating their internal grant-writing workshops to emphasize the required cross-cutting components.
These developments position São Paulo institutions to attract and retain top talent in fields critical to Brazil’s future competitiveness.
Industry and Startup Engagement
The strategy places particular weight on translating academic discoveries into commercial applications. Existing Applied Research Centers and Science for Development Centers will serve as hubs for university-industry partnerships, with dedicated resources for scaling startups emerging from priority-area research.
Business representatives involved in the consultation process highlighted the potential for these priorities to address real market needs while advancing fundamental knowledge.
Alignment with National and Global Agendas
Six priorities correspond to Brazil’s National Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2024–2034 and broader international trends. The inclusion of violence and public safety reflects a commitment to tackling domestic challenges through rigorous scientific inquiry, an area where São Paulo universities have established expertise.
This dual alignment strengthens the case for increased federal and international co-funding of projects based in the state.
Photo by Gigi Visacri on Unsplash
Future Outlook for São Paulo Higher Education
Over the next three years, FAPESP’s focused investment is expected to elevate the research profile of São Paulo universities on the global stage. Enhanced infrastructure, new collaborative networks, and a steady pipeline of trained researchers will contribute to long-term economic and social benefits for the region and the country.
Administrators and faculty alike view the 2026–2028 priorities as a strategic roadmap that balances curiosity-driven inquiry with directed, high-impact work.
