# Bilateral Research Cooperation State of São Paulo (Brazil) — FWO-FAPESP Joint Research Projects

**Funder:** FWO
**Budget:** €45k–€85k/year (staff & consumables) + up to €150k equipment per project
**Duration:** 3 years
**Consortium:** Required — Flemish PI at eligible Flemish host institution + Brazilian partner(s) affiliated to a FAPESP-eligible research organization in the State of São Paulo
**Application:** Single stage: joint simultaneous submission to FWO (via E-loket) and FAPESP, followed by eligibility check, external peer review, and joint interdisciplinary selection committee ranking
**Frequency:** Biennial
**Next round:** 2027-03
**Eligible countries:** BE
**Official call:** https://www.fwo.be/en/support-programmes/all-calls/senior-researchersresearch-teams/bilateral-research-cooperation-state-of-sao-paulo-brazil/
**Last verified:** 21 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Fundamental research in all disciplines; Flemish PI must be based at an eligible Flemish host institution. Brazilian partner must be affiliated to a FAPESP-eligible organization in the State of São Paulo. Joint application submitted simultaneously to FWO and FAPESP. No distinction between junior/senior projects. Budget: €45k–€85k/year for staff & consumables + up to €150k equipment (FWO side).

## Summary

The FWO-FAPESP Bilateral Research Cooperation programme funds fundamental research collaborations between Flemish researchers and partners in São Paulo, Brazil, with budgets up to €45k-€85k per year for staff and consumables plus up to €150k for equipment over three years. Applicants must be based at eligible Flemish institutions and partner with at least one researcher affiliated to a FAPESP-eligible organisation in São Paulo. The call runs biennially and requires simultaneous submission to both FWO and FAPESP.

## Who should apply

- Researchers based at eligible Flemish host institutions
- Applicants with an established or planned collaboration partner in São Paulo, Brazil
- Fundamental research projects across all disciplines
- Teams able to coordinate dual submissions to FWO and FAPESP in parallel

## Key dates

- Next call expected spring 2027 (biennial cycle)
- Joint submission required simultaneously to FWO (via E-loket) and FAPESP
- Three-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Secure your Brazilian partner's FAPESP eligibility and commitment in writing before drafting; mismatched institutional affiliations cause desk rejections.
- Submit to FWO and FAPESP on the same calendar day if possible; asynchronous submission delays the joint selection committee's timetable.
- Frame the research question in terms that resonate with both FWO peer reviewers (Flemish fundamental-research standards) and FAPESP panellists (São Paulo research strengths).

## Frequently asked questions

### How much can I request in an FWO-FAPESP bilateral grant?

Up to €45k-€85k per year for staff and consumables, plus up to €150k for equipment, over three years (totalling €45k-€405k depending on structure).

### Do I need a partner in Brazil to apply?

Yes, a joint application with at least one partner affiliated to a FAPESP-eligible research organisation in the State of São Paulo is mandatory.

### When is the next FWO-FAPESP call?

The next call is expected in spring 2027; the 2024 call is closed.

### How often does this call open?

The FWO-FAPESP bilateral call runs biennially.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/fwo-bilateral-research-cooperation-state-of-s-o-paulo--2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.