Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) Young Investigator Grant for International Researchers is a prestigious funding opportunity designed to attract exceptional researchers to establish or consolidate their careers in Brazil’s most economically significant state. This 2026 call specifically targets up to twenty outstanding researchers with internationally recognized expertise who wish to build independent, internationally competitive research programs.
For African researchers, particularly those from Zimbabwe and SADC countries currently working abroad in academic or research positions, this represents a significant opportunity to secure substantial long-term funding in a major emerging economy with growing scientific infrastructure.
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What the Grant Covers
The financial package is comprehensive and designed to fully support laboratory establishment and research operations:
- Maximum research funding: BRL 2,500,000.00 (approximately USD 450,000-500,000 depending on exchange rates) over 60 months
- Young Investigator Fellowship: Monthly stipend for the full grant duration or until securing a permanent position
- Relocation support: Airfare for the applicant moving from abroad, plus installation assistance per FAPESP regulations
- Personnel support: One scholarship or fellowship per modality (PhD, MSc, Scientific Initiation, Postdoctoral) to build your research team
- Equipment and operational costs: Full budget for capital equipment, consumables, and research expenses
The fellowship amount is published separately at fapesp.br/3162 and should be verified directly.
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Eligibility Requirements
This call has specific conditions beyond standard FAPESP Young Investigator requirements:
- Living and working abroad for at least two years after PhD completion at research institutions, including postdoctoral appointments, research fellowships, or permanent academic positions
- Residing abroad at the time of proposal submission
- Commitment to establish a dedicated research laboratory and program at an institution in São Paulo State
- Demonstrated outstanding expertise and leadership through quality, originality, and impact of scientific achievements
- All nationalities eligible; no restriction based on country of origin or current residence (provided abroad)
For Zimbabwean and SADC applicants, this means you qualify if you have completed your PhD and spent at least two years in academic or research positions outside your home country—whether in South Africa, Europe, North America, or elsewhere.
Research Themes
Proposals must align with FAPESP’s strategic themes:
- Biotechnology
- Energy transition
- Biodiversity, sustainable production and food security
- Digital transition and artificial intelligence — successful AI proposals affiliate with the São Paulo Artificial Intelligence Research Center
- Quantum science and technology
- Human and animal health
- Public security
Application Process
Submission occurs through FAPESP’s SAGe system following this path:
English interface: New Proposal > Special Programs > YIG – Young Investigator Grant > Grant for International Researchers > Call for Proposals (2026)
Portuguese interface: Nova Proposta Inicial > Outras Linhas de Fomento > Programas Especiais > JP – Jovem Pesquisador > Auxílio à Pesquisa – Jovem Pesquisador Internacional > Chamada de Propostas (2026)
Required Documents
- Short CV (maximum 5 pages): Scopus ID, Google Scholar profile, Web of Science ResearcherID, 400-word career summary, five most important publications with leadership description and impact justification, three most significant invited talks, academic degrees and appointments
- Research trajectory letter (maximum 2 pages): Evolution of research leading to the proposed project
- Research project (maximum 20 pages with references): Clear objectives, originality, ambitious character, scientific rationale, feasibility demonstration, international competitiveness
- Fellowship summaries: One-page summary per requested fellowship (PhD, MSc, Scientific Initiation, Postdoctoral) outlining objectives, work plan, and schedule
- Budget: Itemized through SAGe system with vendor quotations for capital equipment exceeding ten times Brazilian minimum wage
Evaluation Process
The three-stage evaluation ensures rigorous merit-based selection:
- Eligibility assessment: Committee reviews CV and trajectory letter for alignment with program objectives
- Full proposal evaluation: External reviewers plus FAPESP panel assessment of impact, originality, and feasibility
- Interview: Online presentation and interview with Evaluation Committee for shortlisted candidates
Final results are announced from June 2027, with projects expected to start before December 2027.
Career Pathway
The grant explicitly supports transition to permanent employment:
- Principal Investigators are encouraged to apply for open permanent positions at host or other São Paulo institutions during the project
- Upon securing permanent employment, researchers may continue through FAPESP’s regular funding schemes, including the prestigious Young Investigator Grant – Phase 2
- Projects may be extended up to 12 months upon request and evaluation
Timeline
| Call announcement | September 2026 |
| Full proposal deadline | November 19, 2026 |
| Final results | From June 2027 |
| Project start | Before December 2027 |
Contact and Resources
Direct all questions to: yig@fapesp.br
Explore previous awards: FAPESP Virtual Library
Official call page: fapesp.br/18389
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships