Brazil and Norway Strengthen Research Ties Through New Joint R&D Funding Opportunity

The announcement of a dedicated call for collaborative research and development projects between Brazil and Norway marks a significant development for university researchers seeking international partnerships. Scheduled to open on 3 June 2026, the initiative is managed through the Eureka Network and supported by national funding bodies in both countries. It targets innovative projects in key sectors including petroleum, energy and environment, and maritime and logistics.

Brazilian universities and research organisations stand to benefit directly from this bilateral effort, which aligns with ongoing strategies to enhance the country's global research profile. The call emphasises practical outcomes, encouraging teams to develop new products, processes or services with commercial potential.

Funding Agencies and National Priorities

On the Brazilian side, FINEP serves as the primary funding agency. It supports research organisations and universities participating in the projects, covering eligible R&D costs. FINEP operates under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and has a long history of financing collaborative initiatives that strengthen national innovation capacity.

Norway's Research Council of Norway (RCN) provides matching support for its participants. The RCN focuses on high-quality research that addresses societal challenges and promotes industrial competitiveness. Together, the agencies have allocated resources specifically for this round, building on previous successful bilateral calls.

Projects must involve at least one organisation from each country. The preferred duration ranges from two to four years, allowing sufficient time for meaningful collaboration and results.

Thematic Areas and Project Scope

The call covers three main thematic areas. The petroleum sector welcomes proposals on any topic relevant to offshore operations, reflecting Brazil's significant deep-water expertise and Norway's leadership in safe and sustainable extraction technologies.

Energy and environment projects address renewable sources, energy efficiency, climate adaptation and environmental protection. Maritime and logistics proposals focus on shipping, port operations, supply chain optimisation and related innovations.

Eligible activities include applied research, experimental development and demonstration projects. Purely fundamental research without clear application pathways falls outside the scope.

Eligibility and Participation Rules

Research organisations, universities and technology centres from both countries can participate. Companies may join as partners but funding rules differ by country. In Brazil, FINEP provides up to 100 percent of eligible costs for research organisations and universities.

Norwegian participants receive support through the RCN under similar conditions. All applicants must comply with national regulations regarding intellectual property, ethics and reporting.

Consortia should demonstrate clear added value from the international partnership, including complementary expertise and shared objectives that neither country could achieve alone.

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Application Timeline and Process

Applications open on 3 June 2026 and close on 9 September 2026 at 17:00 CET. The process involves a single-stage submission through the Eureka platform, followed by national evaluations in each country during September and October 2026.

Successful projects receive funding decisions later in the year, with work expected to begin in early 2027. Detailed guidelines, eligibility checklists and budget templates are available on the Eureka Network website.

Researchers are encouraged to contact their national funding agency early for pre-application advice. FINEP and the RCN both offer support services to help teams prepare strong proposals.

Implications for Brazilian Higher Education Institutions

This call provides Brazilian universities with a structured pathway to secure international funding and build long-term research networks. Participation can enhance institutional rankings, attract talented researchers and support postgraduate training programmes.

Universities with strengths in offshore engineering, renewable energy or maritime studies are particularly well positioned. The initiative also supports Brazil's broader goals of increasing research output and technology transfer to industry.

Administrators should consider how project participation aligns with institutional strategic plans and existing international agreements.

Broader Context of Brazil-Norway Cooperation

Bilateral relations between Brazil and Norway have included multiple rounds of joint research funding over the years. Previous calls have produced results in energy efficiency, environmental monitoring and sustainable resource management.

The current opportunity builds on these foundations while responding to evolving global priorities such as the energy transition and digitalisation of maritime operations.

Both governments view research collaboration as a tool for economic diversification and knowledge exchange.

Practical Steps for Interested Researchers

University teams should begin by identifying Norwegian partners with complementary expertise. Existing academic networks, conference contacts and institutional international offices can assist in matchmaking.

Next, review the full call documentation on the Eureka platform and prepare a project outline that clearly addresses the thematic priorities and expected impacts.

Budget planning must account for personnel, equipment, travel and dissemination costs, following each agency's specific rules.

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Future Outlook and Opportunities

Successful projects from this call are likely to generate follow-on funding opportunities and commercial spin-offs. They will also contribute to Brazil's visibility in international research rankings and strengthen ties with one of Europe's leading innovation economies.

University leaders may wish to monitor outcomes and consider how similar bilateral mechanisms can be developed with other partner countries.

The initiative underscores the growing importance of targeted international calls in supporting high-impact research within Brazilian higher education.

Resources for Further Information

Full details, including application forms and national contact points, appear on the official Eureka Network page dedicated to this call. Additional guidance is available through EURAXESS and the websites of FINEP and the Research Council of Norway.

Researchers can also consult their university research support offices for internal review processes and co-funding possibilities.