The European Research Council continues to expand pathways for Brazilian researchers seeking to engage in frontier science. In 2026, new implementing arrangements and dedicated mobility calls are creating fresh avenues for collaboration between Brazilian institutions and leading European teams.
Understanding the European Research Council and Its Global Reach
The European Research Council, commonly known as the ERC, operates as the premier funding body for frontier research within the European Union framework. Established to support investigator-driven projects across all fields of science and scholarship, the ERC awards grants based solely on scientific excellence. Researchers from any nationality may lead projects, provided the host institution is located in an EU Member State or an associated country under Horizon Europe.
Brazilian participation has grown steadily through bilateral agreements. These arrangements allow active PhD holders based in Brazil to join ERC-funded teams temporarily, fostering knowledge exchange without requiring full relocation. The focus remains on short-term visits that strengthen ongoing projects while advancing the careers of Brazilian scientists.
Recent Agreements Boosting Brazilian Access
A significant development occurred in December 2024 when the ERC signed an implementing arrangement with Brazil’s National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, known as CNPq. This builds upon the longstanding partnership with the National Council of State Funding Agencies, or CONFAP, which dates back to 2016. The CNPq agreement specifically facilitates Brazilian researchers joining ERC grantee teams across Europe.
These frameworks emphasize mobility. Brazilian researchers can spend periods working alongside European colleagues on cutting-edge projects in fields ranging from physics and engineering to life sciences and social sciences. Host institutions benefit from diverse perspectives, while Brazilian universities gain international exposure for their faculty and students.
The 2026 CONFAP-ERC Mobility Call
The ERC–CONFAP 2026 call, launched on May 6, 2026, represents one of the most direct opportunities currently available. It supports the temporary integration of Brazilian PhD researchers into ERC-funded teams. Over 530 ERC projects expressed interest in hosting visitors from Brazil, indicating strong demand on the European side.
Applications were submitted through the CONFAP platform, with the primary deadline set for July 10, 2026. State funding agencies such as FAPESP, FAPES, and others participated actively, providing additional support for researchers from their respective regions. Successful applicants typically begin their visits shortly after selection, with durations ranging from several weeks to several months depending on project needs.
Eligibility centers on active researchers holding a PhD and affiliated with Brazilian institutions. Proposals must demonstrate clear alignment with an existing ERC project and outline expected contributions and learning outcomes. Funding covers travel, subsistence, and research costs during the visit.
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Broader ERC Grant Opportunities for Brazilians
Beyond mobility calls, Brazilian researchers remain eligible to apply directly for ERC Starting, Consolidator, Advanced, and Synergy Grants. The key requirement is that the research must be conducted at a host institution in Europe. This allows established Brazilian scientists to lead independent projects while maintaining ties to their home universities.
The ERC Work Programme for 2026 outlines funding envelopes and evaluation timelines. Advanced Grants, for instance, target leading researchers with exceptional track records, offering up to €2.5 million over five years. Brazilian applicants have succeeded in previous cycles, particularly in areas such as climate science, biodiversity, and materials engineering where Brazil possesses recognized strengths.
Role of Brazilian Universities and Funding Bodies
Federal universities across Brazil, including the University of São Paulo, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, and University of Campinas, actively promote these opportunities through their international offices. Research directors coordinate with CONFAP and CNPq to identify suitable ERC teams and prepare competitive applications.
State foundations play a complementary role. FAPESP in São Paulo, for example, has integrated the ERC–CONFAP call into its broader internationalization strategy. Similar support exists in states such as Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul, and Bahia, ensuring geographic spread of participation.
These efforts align with Brazil’s broader science policy goals of increasing international co-authorship and citation impact. Participation in ERC projects often leads to joint publications in high-impact journals and follow-on collaborations.
Benefits for Career Development and Institutional Capacity
Researchers who participate report accelerated career progression. Exposure to European research environments enhances grant-writing skills, expands professional networks, and provides access to advanced facilities. Many return to Brazil with new methodologies that they integrate into local laboratories and graduate programs.
Institutions benefit through strengthened international profiles. Successful mobility visits frequently evolve into formal memoranda of understanding between Brazilian and European universities. This creates pipelines for future student exchanges and joint degree programs.
Early-career researchers gain particular advantage. Visits during the postdoctoral phase help build independent research identities before returning to tenure-track positions in Brazil.
Challenges and Practical Considerations
Language barriers and visa logistics represent common hurdles. While English dominates ERC projects, some teams operate primarily in other European languages. Brazilian applicants often prepare by strengthening English proficiency and securing necessary documentation well in advance.
Funding sustainability remains an issue for longer visits. Although the calls cover core costs, researchers sometimes supplement with institutional top-ups or additional national grants. Planning for family accompaniment or teaching release also requires coordination with home departments.
Selection is competitive. Strong proposals clearly articulate mutual benefits, demonstrate prior research excellence, and show how the visit advances both the ERC project and the applicant’s long-term research agenda.
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Looking Ahead: Future Outlook for Brazil-Europe Research Ties
The 2026 calls signal continued commitment from both sides. As Horizon Europe evolves and Brazil advances its own science funding landscape, further synergies are expected. Discussions around expanded co-funding mechanisms and reciprocal hosting arrangements continue at diplomatic and agency levels.
Brazilian researchers interested in these pathways should monitor announcements from CONFAP, CNPq, and EURAXESS Latin America and the Caribbean. Early engagement with potential ERC hosts through conferences and publications increases success rates.
These opportunities ultimately strengthen the global research ecosystem. By connecting Brazilian talent with European excellence, the ERC contributes to solutions for shared challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and technological innovation.
Actionable Steps for Interested Researchers
Begin by reviewing the full ERC–CONFAP 2026 call documentation available on the CONFAP website. Identify ERC projects aligned with your expertise using the ERC project database. Contact potential hosts well before deadlines to secure letters of support.
Prepare a concise research plan highlighting expected contributions and learning outcomes. Consult your university’s international relations office for institutional endorsement and any supplementary funding.
Stay informed through regular updates from EURAXESS and Brazilian funding agencies. Networking at international conferences can also open doors to ERC teams seeking Brazilian collaborators.