Call for Proposals: FAPESP Young Investigator Grant for International Researchers

The São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) invites international researchers to apply for the FAPESP Young Investigator Grant for International Researchers. This call seeks to attract up to 20 outstanding researchers to establish or consolidate their research careers at institutions in the State of São Paulo. The deadline for submitting full proposals is 19 November 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)

- Opportunity name: FAPESP Young Investigator Grant for International Researchers

- Opportunity type: Fellowship and research grant (Young Investigator Grant modality)

- Funding pool / number of awards: Up to 20 fellowships - Maximum funding per proposal: BRL 2,500,000.00 (two million five hundred thousand Brazilian reais); the Young Investigator Fellowship may also be requested in addition to the funding limit

- Maximum project duration: 60 months

- Possible extension: Upon request and following evaluation by FAPESP, the project and fellowship may be extended for up to 12 months

- Deadline (full proposals): 19 November 2026 (time zone not specified in the source)

- Final result announcement: From June 2027

- FAPESP contact: [contact details removed]

- Application system: SAGe (Science and Technology Management System)

About the Opportunity

FAPESP is a public foundation from the State of São Paulo, supporting research projects across all fields of knowledge at higher education and research institutions throughout São Paulo. The FAPESP Young Investigator Grant for International Researchers is designed to strengthen São Paulo’s scientific and technological leadership by attracting researchers with internationally recognized expertise. In this call, FAPESP targets researchers who are currently abroad and who wish to establish or consolidate an independent research program at an institution in the State of São Paulo. Funding and Benefits

Key elements of the support include:

- Fellowship duration: A Young Investigator Fellowship will be awarded for up to the full duration of the Grant, or until the Principal Investigator obtains a permanent position at a university or research institution in São Paulo, Brazil.

- Monthly fellowship amount: The current monthly fellowship amount is available at fapesp.br/3162.

- Eligible budget items: Eligible items are described in item 8 of the Young Investigator Grant Guidelines at fapesp.br/en/yig (exceptions for eligible budget items are specified in this call’s item 3.2 where applicable). - Scholarships and postdoctoral fellowships: May be requested under standard Young Investigator Grant rules (see item 8.1.e in fapesp.br/en/yig). - One scholarship/fellowship per modality: Only one scholarship/fellowship of each modality (PhD, MSc, Scientific Initiation, Postdoctoral, etc.) can be included in the proposal. - Relocation support (for researchers currently living abroad): Eligible for relocation support, including airfare for the applicant, in accordance with fapesp.br/7771/auxilio-instalacao.

- Maximum funding available per proposal: BRL 2,500,000.00 (capital and other eligible research budget items requested via SAGe, within FAPESP rules).

- Number of awards: A maximum of 20 fellowships will be awarded in this call.

Who Is Eligible? This call is open to researchers of all nationalities who meet the following conditions: - International residence and work requirement: - Applicants must have been living and working abroad for at least two years after PhD, including research institutions and postdoctoral/fellowship/permanent academic or research appointments.

- Residence at submission:

- Applicants must be residing abroad at the time of proposal submission.

- Career consolidation in São Paulo:

- Applicants must wish to establish a research laboratory and develop a dedicated research program at an institution located in the State of São Paulo, ensuring full integration and commitment to the proposed project and position.

- Track record and leadership:

- Applicants must demonstrate outstanding expertise and leadership through the quality, originality, and impact of their scientific trajectory and achievements after completing doctoral studies.

Additional eligibility expectations:

- Applicants must comply with the eligibility requirements for the FAPESP Young Investigator Grant (see fapesp.br/en/yig). - Research proposals must be submitted in English. - The call requires a clearly defined and independent research line led by the applicant; collaborations with established research groups are permitted and encouraged. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas FAPESP aligns funded topics with its strategic themes (referenced in the source). The research themes for this call are: - I. Biotechnology - II. Energy transition - III. Biodiversity, sustainable production and food security - IV. Digital transition and artificial intelligence - V. Quantum science and technology - VI. Human and animal health - VII. Public security Artificial intelligence note: Proposals approved under artificial intelligence will be affiliated with the São Paulo Artificial Intelligence Research Center, a strategic center supported by FAPESP, MCTI/CGI.br, and São Paulo State Universities. Why This Opportunity Matters This call supports researchers who want to transition into independent leadership roles in São Paulo while bringing internationally recognized expertise into the local research ecosystem. The structure emphasizes both independent research leadership and international competitiveness, with a full 60-month project window (with potential extension). The funding model combines a research budget (subject to the proposal funding cap) with a Young Investigator Fellowship that can continue until the Principal Investigator obtains a permanent position in São Paulo. How to Apply Follow these steps in the SAGe system: - Start a new proposal in SAGe using the program path provided by FAPESP.

- For English interface users: New Proposal > Special Programs > YIG – Youn