The FAPESP Young Investigator Grant for International Researchers 2026 is open to outstanding researchers living and working abroad who want to establish or consolidate a research program in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Through this call, the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) aims to attract up to 20 researchers across strategic themes.
The grant supports research projects lasting 60 months. In addition, selected researchers may request a Young Investigator Fellowship, relocation support, and scholarships or postdoctoral fellowships linked to the proposed project.
Application Deadline: November 19, 2026
Eligible Countries: All nationalities
Host Location: Research institutions in the State of São Paulo, Brazil
Award Provider: São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)
Number of Awards: Up to 20
About the Grant
This call supports international researchers who are currently residing abroad and who want to build independent research programs at institutions in São Paulo. FAPESP seeks applicants with strong scientific achievements, clear leadership potential, and the ability to lead an original research line.
According to the call summary, supported projects run for 60 months and may be extended by up to 12 months after evaluation. Moreover, the grant is designed to help researchers establish laboratories and integrate into host institutions in São Paulo.
Eligibility
- Applicants may be of all nationalities.
- Applicants must have been living and working abroad for at least two years after completing the PhD.
- Applicants must be residing abroad at the time of proposal submission.
- Applicants must intend to establish or consolidate a research career at an institution in the State of São Paulo.
- Applicants must demonstrate outstanding expertise, independence, leadership, and significant achievements since the doctoral degree.
- Proposals must be submitted in English.
Grant Amount: Up to BRL 2,500,000.00 (two million five hundred thousand Brazilian reais) per proposal
Project Duration: Project duration 60 months; may be extended up to 12 months upon request and evaluation
Funding Scope Maximum funding available per proposal is BRL 2,500,000.00. In addition, applicants may request a Young Investigator Fellowship for up to the project duration or until obtaining a permanent position. The call also allows relocation support, including airfare, and proposals may include scholarships and postdoctoral fellowships. Notably, up to 20 fellowships will be awarded.
How to Apply
Applicants must prepare and submit their proposals through the FAPESP system following the official call instructions. Before applying, review the required documentation carefully and confirm that the host institution is based in the State of São Paulo.
Required documents include:
- Short CV in English (maximum 5 pages) with identifiers and academic background details
- Letter of up to 2 pages describing the evolution of the applicant’s research trajectory
- Research project in English, with a main body of up to 20 pages plus references
- One-page summary for each requested fellowship
- Budget items in the SAGe system and vendor quotations for certain capital equipment requests
👉 Visit the official grant page for details
