The upcoming São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Regulatory Governance, titled “Three Decades of Regulation in Latin America: Institutional Transformations and Contemporary Challenges,” is scheduled to take place from August 3 to 13, 2026, at the São Paulo Business School of the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV EAESP) in Brazil. This prestigious event marks a significant milestone in the critical examination and advancement of regulatory frameworks that have shaped Latin America over the past thirty years, offering a deep dive into the institutional transformations and emerging challenges faced by the region.

For more than three decades, Latin America has undergone profound changes in its approach to regulation and public governance. The region has increasingly transitioned from traditional, centralized governmental intervention to complex systems of regulatory governance mediated by specialized agencies. This shift echoes international paradigms but also reflects the unique social, political, and economic intricacies of Latin American countries. The School aims to dissect these evolutionary pathways, providing a forum for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to critically analyze past developments and consider innovative trajectories for regulatory systems.

The theoretical and practical foundations of regulatory governance will be meticulously covered throughout the 10-day immersion, focusing on key themes such as regulatory capacity—the ability of institutions to effectively design, implement, and enforce regulations—and democratic accountability, which ensures that regulatory agencies remain transparent and answerable to the public and elected officials. An additional focal point will be on de-delegation processes where power dynamics are reversed or recalibrated within institutional frameworks, highlighting ongoing political recalibrations in governance.

Beyond foundational topics, the School will push the boundaries of contemporary regulatory thought by engaging with cutting-edge issues affecting the Global South. These include the pivotal role of central banks in climate risk mitigation, where monetary authorities are increasingly integral in shaping sustainable economic policies to address climate crises. The regulation of pharmaceutical patents will be another critical arena, intersecting with global debates on public health, intellectual property rights, and access to medicines. Digital platform governance will also be scrutinized, delving into the regulatory challenges posed by the rapid proliferation of digital economies and the concentration of power among tech giants.

The School’s curriculum is enriched by the participation of eminent scholars and thought leaders from a range of prestigious institutions around the world. Notable confirmed speakers include Martin Lodge from the London School of Economics, David Levi-Faur of Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Yves Steinebach from the University of Oslo, Camilo González representing the University of Los Andes, Mauricio Dussauge-Laguna of the Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales, Manuela Moschella from the University of Bologna, and Bronwen Morgan of the University of New South Wales. Their interdisciplinary expertise underpins the program’s diverse and robust academic environment.

Admissions to this exclusive program are competitive, with the School offering 100 places to participants equally divided between Brazilian and international candidates. This equitable allocation underscores the School’s commitment to fostering a truly global dialogue enriched with diverse perspectives. Interested applicants are required to submit a detailed curriculum vitae, a motivation letter, and a concise 600-word research summary for consideration. The deadline for applications is April 30, 2026, and submissions can be made directly through the official event website.

Participants selected for the School will engage in dynamic academic formats designed to maximize intellectual exchange and research dissemination. Among these, 30 participants will have the opportunity to deliver flash talk presentations, succinctly showcasing their research insights. An additional 60 are invited to present posters, facilitating detailed discussion and feedback in a more informal setting. A distinguished group of 10 participants will also participate in the Paper Development Workshop, a highly specialized program focused on manuscript preparation for the respected academic journal Regulation & Governance (R&G), extending an invaluable opportunity for scholarly publication.

The School’s scientific sessions and short courses promise to reveal state-of-the-art research and emerging scientific findings crucial to understanding regulatory governance in Latin America and beyond. For journalists and media professionals, the School offers the chance to register for these sessions, providing an opportunity to witness firsthand the pioneering research and dialogue shaping regulatory policies in the Global South.

Financial support for the School is generously provided by the São Paulo Research Foundation, FAPESP, through its São Paulo School of Advanced Science Program (SPSAS). This funding facilitates not only access to the School’s rich programming but also alleviates the financial burden on participants from outside São Paulo. Selected international participants will benefit from covered round-trip economy airfare, travel insurance, and a daily allowance, reflecting FAPESP’s commitment to inclusive and global academic exchange.

FAPESP itself holds a prominent role as a public funding institution dedicated to advancing scientific research across all fields within the Brazilian state of São Paulo. Its strategic mission emphasizes fostering international collaboration, recognizing that scientific excellence thrives on openness and cross-border partnerships. By supporting events like the São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Regulatory Governance, FAPESP facilitates critical knowledge production and dissemination that can influence policy and governance models worldwide.

Emerging regulatory challenges in Latin America are increasingly intertwined with global phenomena such as climate change, digital transformation, and public health crises. By situating Latin America’s regulatory evolution within this broader context, the School fosters a nuanced understanding of how local and global regulatory practices can co-evolve, adapt strategically, and navigate complex socio-political landscapes. This perspective is vital for scholars and practitioners committed to progressive, evidence-based regulatory reforms.

The 2026 edition of the São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Regulatory Governance promises to be a seminal event that combines rigorous academic inquiry with practical relevance. It invites participants to not only reflect on three decades of institutional change in Latin America but also to envision innovative regulatory futures informed by multidisciplinary scholarship and international collaboration. This initiative sets a benchmark for regulatory studies in the Global South and contributes significantly to the global discourse on governance.

In conclusion, the São Paulo School of Advanced Science stands at the forefront of regulatory governance scholarship, providing a critical platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and policy innovation. Prospective applicants and interested observers alike are encouraged to visit the official event website and apply before the April 30, 2026 deadline. This unique opportunity represents a milestone for advancing regulatory science and governance in a region whose experiences and challenges resonate far beyond its borders.

Subject of Research: Regulatory governance, institutional transformations, and emerging regulatory challenges in Latin America

Article Title: Registrations Open for the São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Regulatory Governance

News Publication Date: Not specified in the provided content

Web References:

• São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Regulatory Governance event page: https://eaesp.fgv.br/eventos/sao-paulo-school-advanced-science-regulatory-governance
• São Paulo School of Advanced Science Program by FAPESP: http://espca.fapesp.br/home

Image Credits: FGV EAESP

Keywords: Regulatory governance, Latin America, institutional transformations, climate risk mitigation, pharmaceutical patent regulation, digital platform governance, São Paulo School of Advanced Science, FAPESP, Regulation & Governance, regulatory capacity, democratic accountability

The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Ocean Literacy (SPSAS-OL) is poised to convene from August 19 to September 1, 2025, at the Federal University of São Paulo’s Institute of Marine Science (IMar-UNIFESP), located in the vibrant port city of Santos, São Paulo, Brazil. This event represents a landmark initiative aimed at fostering a comprehensive understanding of ocean literacy, bridging scientific disciplines, indigenous knowledge, sustainable practices, and policy frameworks to address the multifaceted challenges facing the world’s oceans.

Ocean literacy transcends singular academic fields, encompassing a broad spectrum of sectors including education, conservation, climate resilience, economics, and communication. Central to this concept is the recognition of the invaluable insights held by Indigenous peoples and traditional communities, whose intimate knowledge of local ecosystems and sustainable resource management can serve as a catalyst for global sustainability efforts. By intertwining such diverse perspectives, the School aims to illuminate pathways toward a more harmonious interaction between humanity and marine environments.

Open to a diverse pool of applicants—including graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, professionals, and traditional knowledge holders—this advanced science school nurtures a transdisciplinary approach to ocean science. Participants keen on deepening their understanding of sustainability, education, and the science-policy interface related to oceans will find themselves immersed in a rigorous and stimulating academic environment, designed to foster collaboration across disciplines and geographies.

The academic program is structured around four comprehensive modules aligned with the Vision 2030 (Challenge 10) of the United Nations Ocean Decade. These modules are designed to engage participants in cutting-edge scientific discussions while embedding their learning within the strategic ambitions to protect, understand, and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. This targeted approach ensures the educational experience is both deep and actionable, empowering upcoming generations of ocean leaders.

A highlight of the School is its roster of internationally renowned speakers, whose expertise spans policy, communication, traditional governance, and ocean science. Among the distinguished lecturers are Diz Glithero, executive director of the Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition and Adjunct Professor at Dalhousie University, Canada; Anthony A. Leiserowitz, a front-runner in climate change communication based at Yale University; Carmen Santos, former Dean of the University of Namibe and Angola’s former Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources; as well as Francesca Santoro from UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, and Angelo Bernardino, professor of Oceanography at Brazil’s Federal University of Espírito Santo. Their presence ensures an unparalleled blend of scientific knowledge and policy insights.

The School also warmly welcomes media professionals to register for scientific sessions and short courses, which promise access to state-of-the-art marine science, recent breakthroughs, and innovative approaches to ocean literacy and sustainability. This inclusion aims to broaden public engagement with ocean science, amplifying the discourse to wider audiences.

Support for this event stems from the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), a public institution dedicated to advancing scientific research across diverse fields. FAPESP’s São Paulo School of Advanced Science Program underwrites the School’s activities, including full financial coverage of travel, accommodation, food, and travel insurance for foreign participants—an investment demonstrating the importance of international collaboration in advancing ocean science and literacy.

Around 100 applicants will be selected, balanced evenly between Brazilian nationals and international candidates, highlighting the School’s commitment to global dialogue. The selection process favors diversity, explicitly encouraging participation from Indigenous peoples, Afro-descendant communities, and persons with disabilities, with the Organizing Committee empowered to award bonuses reflecting these priorities. Such inclusivity ensures that multiple voices and perspectives enrich the discussions on ocean literacy.

Selection criteria meticulously evaluate candidates’ academic trajectory, recent performance, and motivation. The assessment includes curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and letters of intent, all scrutinized with an intent to maintain gender balance and ethnic/racial diversity. This methodical process underscores the School’s dedication to both excellence and equity in its community.

Registrations are accepted via the event’s official website until May 24, 2025. This deadline reflects the highly competitive nature of the program, ensuring that candidates prepare thoughtful and comprehensive applications. The online platform serves as a portal not only for application but also for updates and resource sharing, integrating modern communication modalities into the School’s framework.

In essence, the São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Ocean Literacy stands as a beacon of integrated marine education and science-policy engagement. By fostering a rich confluence of traditional knowledge and contemporary science, and by mobilizing cross-sectoral expertise, this initiative aims to catalyze transformative outcomes aligned with global ocean sustainability goals. Its impact will undoubtedly resonate far beyond the city of Santos, contributing to the international efforts to safeguard the health and future of the oceans.

The involvement of FAPESP emphasizes the School’s strategic importance within both the Brazilian and international research landscapes. FAPESP’s long-standing commitment to fostering scientific innovation and its strategic partnerships with organizations worldwide amplify the event’s potential to nurture impactful collaborations in ocean literacy and related disciplines.

More than an academic event, the SPSAS-OL embodies a global movement towards inclusive, interdisciplinary, and actionable knowledge on oceans. As the world grapples with climate change, biodiversity loss, and socio-economic pressures on marine systems, initiatives like this are critical to cultivating informed leaders equipped to shape sustainable futures.

Prospective participants and interested parties are encouraged to engage with this opportunity to deepen their expertise, expand their networks, and contribute to a critical global conversation. The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Ocean Literacy is not just a meeting of minds—it is a platform for shaping the stewardship of our planet’s most vital ecosystems.

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Subject of Research: Ocean Literacy, Ocean Science, Sustainable Resource Management, Science-Policy Interface
Article Title: The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Ocean Literacy: Shaping the Future of Ocean Understanding and Sustainability
News Publication Date: June 2025 (anticipated)
Web References: https://spsasoceanliteracy.maredeciencia.eco.br/, http://espca.fapesp.br/home
Keywords: Ocean literacy, marine science, sustainable development, indigenous knowledge, science education, UN Ocean Decade, environmental policy, climate resilience, interdisciplinary research, Brazil, FAPESP