In an ambitious move to strengthen global research collaborations and enhance the scientific prestige of São Paulo’s academic institutions, the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) has announced a groundbreaking call for research support under the International Thematic Grants (InTheGra) program. This initiative targets highly accomplished researchers—both Brazilian nationals and foreign scientists—who are currently residing abroad without employment for less than 12 months. The program aims to invigorate the intellectual and research ecosystem in São Paulo by reuniting top-tier international researchers with local universities and research centers.
The InTheGra grant offers a unique funding opportunity for up to 24 months, providing a vital, non-renewable scholarship intended to catalyze cutting-edge research projects. Upon completion of this fellowship, recipients are strongly encouraged to secure permanent or visiting positions either within São Paulo’s host institutions or internationally, thereby fostering sustained academic engagement and knowledge exchange. The program’s structure underscores FAPESP’s commitment to bridging the gap between international excellence and São Paulo’s dynamic scientific community.
To be eligible, candidates must submit a meticulously developed research project aligned with FAPESP’s Thematic Projects framework, which demands bold, interdisciplinary, and high-impact research proposals. These projects must be led by a Principal Investigator (PI) with a PhD or equivalent qualification obtained at least ten years prior and have demonstrable success working within internationally competitive research groups outside Brazil. This ensures that funded projects are driven by seasoned experts who bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of scientific leadership.
The design of the InTheGra program inherently promotes the involvement of multidisciplinary teams comprising co-principal and associate researchers as well as postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and technical staff. Such comprehensive research groups are poised to push the boundaries of knowledge, addressing complex scientific questions that require diverse expertise and collaborative synergy. This approach aligns with international trends emphasizing integrative and cross-disciplinary research tackling global challenges.
An essential element of the InTheGra initiative is the embedded support structure expected from host institutions within São Paulo. Selected candidates’ affiliations must guarantee full administrative backing, unrestricted access to advanced research facilities, and integration of the grant holder into the faculty framework of the host institution’s graduate programs. These provisions collectively ensure that researchers receive a robust environment conducive to innovative scientific inquiry and academic mentoring.
The timeline for the current call is strategically phased to maximize the quality of submissions and candidate selection. Pre-proposals must be submitted by June 30, after which a shortlist of pre-qualified candidates will be announced in late July. These selected candidates will subsequently be invited to submit full proposals by the September 28 deadline. Importantly, all applications and submissions will be managed through FAPESP’s SAGe platform, demonstrating the foundation’s commitment to a streamlined and transparent evaluation process.
What sets the InTheGra program apart from conventional fellowship schemes is the emphasis on institutional integration and the post-fellowship career trajectory of awardees. FAPESP encourages grantees to consolidate their careers either by securing tenure-track positions internationally or by returning to São Paulo, reinforcing the exchange of ideas and expertise between global and local scientific communities. This pathway illustrates a forward-thinking approach to science funding, blending mobility with institutional attachment.
From a technical standpoint, the program aligns with current efforts worldwide to internationalize research by attracting diaspora scientists and foreign experts into local ecosystems. This internationalization not only raises the competitive standard of research output in São Paulo but also fosters collaborations with high-impact global centers of knowledge. This is particularly relevant in the age of complex scientific challenges that demand mobilization of global expertise, advanced methodologies, and innovative technologies.
The program’s call for “thematic” projects further underscores a focus on ambitious, big-picture research that transcends narrow disciplinary boundaries. It expects projects to be capable of producing scientific breakthroughs or transformative knowledge that can influence policies, technologies, or society at large. This characteristic positions the InTheGra grants as a potentially catalytic force within the wider Brazilian and international funding landscapes.
Moreover, the multidisciplinary nature of proposed projects emphasizes the involvement of a spectrum of contributors—from senior scientists to early-career researchers. This layered research team architecture drives capacity-building within São Paulo’s academic environment, ensuring the nurturing of future generations of scientists equipped with international outlooks and robust methodological skills.
The emphasis on securing institutional employment post-fellowship highlights a sustainability model keyed to long-term academic and scientific integration. By encouraging tenure options or visiting researcher positions, the program seeks to maintain the momentum created during the funded period, avoiding the typical disconnect many international scholars face when reintegrating into local research environments.
In summary, FAPESP’s InTheGra initiative exemplifies a strategic, scientifically rigorous, and internationally aware funding mechanism designed to propel São Paulo to the forefront of global research innovation. This program not only provides necessary financial resources but also integrates researchers into thriving academic communities and sets a precedent for the kind of scientific excellence and collaboration essential in today’s interconnected world. With carefully structured application processes, clear eligibility criteria, and a focus on high-impact outcomes, the InTheGra call invites researchers to embark on ambitious projects that can redefine scientific frontiers.
Institutions and researchers interested in this transformative opportunity are encouraged to review the detailed program parameters and submission guidelines available on FAPESP’s official portal. The call stands as a beacon of excellence and a call to global scientific talent to contribute to the vibrant research tapestry of São Paulo, shaping the future of science regionally and globally.
Subject of Research: Research funding and international research collaboration focusing on high-impact thematic projects with international Principal Investigators.
Web References:
https://fapesp.br/17523
Keywords:
Research funding, Academic researchers, Human resources, Educational institutions, Science policy, Research management, International scientific collaboration
