This dynamic collaborative spirit was palpably on display during the recent FAPESP Week in London held at the prestigious Science Museum. The event, scheduled from June 2 to June 4, 2024, serves as a strategic platform designed to deepen and expand cooperative scientific endeavors between São Paulo’s researchers and their British counterparts. Its overarching mission is to unravel new dimensions of partnership, focusing on areas of mutual strategic interest that promise impactful scientific breakthroughs and societal benefits.

FAPESP President Marco Antonio Zago poignantly reflected on the tumultuous period since the last FAPESP Week in London in 2019, highlighting the profound disruptions wrought by the global pandemic. The world experienced the tragic loss of over seven million lives, including 600,000 in Brazil, and scientific pursuits were deeply impacted. Publication rates declined, academic exchanges halted, and research funding contracted sharply. Despite these headwinds, Zago emphasized the resilience and reinvigoration of the scientific community, underscoring how the current landscape is vastly transformed, with artificial intelligence taking precedence as a universal research priority reshaping the modalities of scholarship and peer evaluation.

Significant transformations within FAPESP itself mirror the evolving scientific ecosystem. The agency now disburses over 10,000 grants and scholarships annually, showcasing a remarkable expansion in capacity. It supports around 50 globally recognized research centers, half of which benefit from private sector co-funding. These include specialized entities such as Research, Innovation, and Dissemination Centers (RIDCs) and Applied Research Centers (ARCs), which serve as hubs of high-impact scientific and technological activity, fostering environments where academia and industry converge to accelerate innovation.

Among the strategic imperatives charted by FAPESP’s Board of Trustees for the forthcoming three years are seven thematic priorities designed to catalyze bilateral cooperation. These span the domains of biotechnology; energy transition; biodiversity and sustainable food production; digital transformation and artificial intelligence; quantum sciences and technologies; human and animal health; and issues of violence and public safety. Each theme resonates with both local relevance and global urgency, offering fertile ground for joint research ventures and technology development.

The economic and scientific heft of São Paulo further elevates the significance of this alliance. Accounting for 40% to 60% of Brazil’s scientific output, the state is a powerhouse in innovation and technology. It harbors approximately 22% of the nation’s technology workforce and more than half of its deep tech startups, underscoring its status as a vibrant hub for cutting-edge research and entrepreneurial activity. Educational institutions such as the University of São Paulo (USP), the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), and São Paulo State University (UNESP) consistently rank among Latin America’s elite, further bolstering the state’s intellectual foundation.

From the UK’s perspective, the partnership with São Paulo is heralded as one of the most enduring and effective models of international cooperation. Francis Wood, Director of International Partnerships at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), articulated the mutual benefits of this alliance. She underscored that the complexity of modern scientific challenges transcends borders and that collaborative endeavors are essential to addressing them. Despite internal organizational changes within UKRI, the commitment to international partnership remains resolute, aligning priorities closely with FAPESP in fields such as agrotechnology, biodiversity, and climate science.

Concrete collaborative initiatives illustrate the depth of this bilateral engagement. The Transatlantic Platform, jointly chaired by FAPESP and UKRI, exemplifies multinational coordination in the humanities and social sciences, enabling researchers to navigate British research councils under a responsive agreement established in 2009. In an emblematic move in 2024, the Medical Research Council launched a bilateral call focused on artificial intelligence applications in health, supported by a €6 million investment and yielding six funded collaborative projects. Partnerships with institutions like King’s College London and the University of Birmingham expand cooperation into environmental sciences, urban transport, and health, reflecting the multifaceted nature of this scientific diplomacy.

The strategic importance of São Paulo’s innovation ecosystem cannot be overstated. Despite the state encompassing a mere 3% of Brazil’s land area, it commands 70% of the country’s knowledge-based workforce, and its annual investment in research and development approaches BRL 1.8 billion, equating to 11% of its annual budget. São Paulo’s status as Latin America’s sole representative among the world’s top 100 startup ecosystems—rated 26th globally—further highlights its economic dynamism. Particularly in fintech, São Paulo boasts the world’s largest ecosystem. The state government’s role is characterized by support rather than intervention, nurturing nearly 100 innovation hubs comprising incubators, technology parks, and innovation districts that collectively house over 2,200 startups alongside 700 large companies.

Moreover, Brazil’s broader strategic vision integrates “innovation diplomacy” as a core element. Alexandre Brasil, Minister-Counselor at the Brazilian Embassy in London, elaborated on this approach, emphasizing science and technology as pivotal drivers not only of economic growth but also of national sovereignty, social equity, and global influence. Initiated in 2017, this program deploys science, technology, and innovation units across major Brazilian embassies and consulates. It leverages the quadruple helix model, which synergizes government, academia, industry, and civil society around common objectives, fostering international partnerships that transcend traditional diplomatic boundaries.

The selection of the British Science Museum as the venue for FAPESP Week London provided a symbolic backdrop linking scientific diplomacy with cultural engagement. Shri Mukundagiri, Deputy Executive Director of the museum, highlighted its historical ties to Brazil and the power of science communication to fortify international relationships. Recent exhibitions like “Amazonia,” “Water and Fire,” and an adaptation of “Injecting Hope”—chronicling the race for a COVID-19 vaccine—demonstrate the museum’s commitment to fostering mutual understanding through science, especially vital at a time when public trust in science faces unprecedented challenges in both the UK and Brazil.

Looking ahead, the trajectory of FAPESP Week is poised for continued expansion and impact. Initiated in Washington, D.C., in 2011, and subsequently hosted in Latin America and Europe, the event has catalyzed a measurable increase in joint research proposals, underscoring its role as a valuable facilitator of academic and technological exchange. Confirmed future editions in the Netherlands (October 2026) and Canada (2027) promise to sustain this momentum, creating sustained opportunities for networking, partnerships, and collaborative innovation across continents.

In sum, the São Paulo-UK scientific partnership illustrates an exemplary model of international cooperation, blending scientific excellence with strategic foresight. It exemplifies how science transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, becoming a catalyst for profound societal benefits and global progress. As technological frontiers advance and new challenges emerge, such partnerships will be indispensable in navigating the complex, interconnected future of research and innovation.

Subject of Research: International Scientific Collaboration, Artificial Intelligence, Energy Transition, Biotechnology, Biodiversity, Innovation Ecosystem

Article Title: São Paulo and the UK: Forging a Robust Scientific Partnership in the Age of Innovation

News Publication Date: June 2024

Web References:

• https://fapesp.br/week/2026/london
• https://agencia.fapesp.br/57682
• https://www.transatlanticplatform.com/
• https://www.sp.gov.br/sp/institucional/estrutura/secretarias/ciencia-tecnologia-inovacao
• https://fapesp.br/11698
• https://fapesp.br/16081

Keywords

Scientific collaboration, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, energy transition, biodiversity, innovation hubs, transatlantic partnerships, scientific diplomacy, research funding, São Paulo innovation ecosystem, UKRI partnership, science communication

Biodiversity, encompassing the variety and variability of life on Earth from microscopic organisms to complex ecosystems, has emerged as an essential domain in addressing environmental sustainability challenges. The University of Gothenburg, already home to the Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre (GGBC), is uniquely positioned to harness this professorship to deepen research innovations and interdisciplinary outreach across biological, environmental, and social sciences. By framing biodiversity not just as a biological concept but one intersecting with policy, economics, and societal well-being, the university aims to redefine the scientific boundaries of the discipline.

The Crown Princess Victoria Professorship is designed to recruit a visionary leader whose expertise will not be confined to a single academic silo but will span multiple faculties, promoting a holistic approach to biodiversity. Such a strategy recognizes that the complexity of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation requires integrative solutions that bridge traditional academic divisions. As biodiversity research increasingly calls for synthesis of genetics, ecology, climatology, and socioeconomics, this cross-pollination of ideas will foster breakthroughs relevant to global sustainability goals.

Financially, this initiative is underpinned by a significant endowment, with Carl Bennet AB pledging 20 million Swedish kronor, matched equally by the University of Gothenburg. This combined investment reflects a strong commitment to not only establish a long-term academic position but to support an infrastructure where progressive and applied biodiversity research can thrive. Funding of this magnitude enables the university to provide substantial resources for fieldwork, emerging technologies in ecological monitoring, and collaborative research projects with international partners.

The professorship will also embody a crucial role in science communication and policy influence. The appointee is expected to serve as a dynamic ambassador for biodiversity, elevating public understanding and fostering dialogue among scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders. The interface between academic research and decision-making processes is pivotal in converting knowledge into effective conservation strategies and sustainable resource management practices, particularly as ecological crises like habitat destruction and climate change intensify globally.

From a technical perspective, biodiversity research at this level involves cutting-edge methodologies including genomic sequencing to assess genetic diversity, remote sensing for habitat mapping, and advanced statistical modeling to predict species responses to environmental variables. The professorship is anticipated to spearhead efforts integrating these tools to assess biodiversity dynamics comprehensively, providing data-driven insights applicable to international biodiversity targets such as the Convention on Biological Diversity’s post-2020 framework.

The interdisciplinary scope of the position also invites collaboration with disciplines such as urban planning, agricultural science, and marine biology. For example, exploring the role of urban green spaces in supporting species richness or assessing the impact of agricultural practices on soil microbiomes and pollinator populations. By uniting these diverse scientific inquiries under the professorship’s umbrella, the University of Gothenburg orchestrates a strategic platform capable of addressing the multifaceted nature of ecological resilience.

Moreover, the integration of social sciences into the biodiversity agenda reflects contemporary understanding that human behavior and cultural values critically shape environmental outcomes. The professor is expected to engage with environmental economics and behavioral sciences to develop frameworks that incentivize conservation and sustainable practices among communities and industries, ensuring that biodiversity research transcends academic boundaries and effect real-world change.

Recruitment efforts for this position underscore the university’s commitment to excellence and impact. The selection process, set to conclude with a public announcement on International Day for Biological Diversity in May 2026, aims to identify candidates who not only demonstrate outstanding scientific credentials but also possess the visionary leadership qualities needed to galvanize multidisciplinary teams and inspire collaborative innovation in biodiversity science.

This initiative resonates deeply with Crown Princess Victoria’s personal advocacy for environmental issues. Her support highlights a broader societal recognition of biodiversity’s critical importance and sets a precedent for how public figures can catalyze scientific advancement and eco-political engagement. The professorship, therefore, not only represents academic prestige but also embodies a bridge linking science with societal stewardship and policy reform.

In sum, the establishment of the Crown Princess Victoria Professorship in Biodiversity marks a transformative investment in the future of ecological science. It promises to accelerate biodiversity research through an integrated, interdisciplinary, and globally engaged framework that is responsive to the complexities of environmental crises. By coupling substantial funding with strategic scientific leadership, the University of Gothenburg reinforces its position at the forefront of biodiversity scholarship and sustainability science, aiming to deliver innovative solutions for preserving the planet’s biological heritage.

The profound significance of this professorship extends beyond the academic sphere, offering hope and pathways toward a sustainable future where biodiversity preservation is recognized not merely as an environmental imperative but as a foundational component of human well-being and resilience in a changing world.

Subject of Research: Biodiversity and interdisciplinary ecological research aimed at sustainability.

Article Title: University of Gothenburg Establishes Crown Princess Victoria Professorship to Advance Biodiversity Science

News Publication Date: Not explicitly provided; announcement made public ahead of 2027 and recruitment concluding by May 2026.

Web References:
Professorship Advertisement

Image Credits: Linda Broström/Kungl. Hovstaterna

Keywords: Biodiversity, University of Gothenburg, Crown Princess Victoria Professorship, interdisciplinary research, ecological sustainability, conservation, Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, Carl Bennet AB, environmental science, genomic sequencing, remote sensing, ecosystem resilience