# Work with Brazilian researchers – NERC-FAPESP lead agency

**Funder:** NERC
**Consortium:** Required — UK and Brazil (São Paulo state) researchers
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/work-with-brazilian-researchers-nerc-fapesp-lead-agency/
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

UK-based researchers and researchers in the State of São Paulo, Brazil submit collaborative applications under existing NERC funding opportunities via a lead agency agreement with FAPESP. Single review process. UK institution eligibility applies.

## Summary

The NERC, FAPESP lead agency agreement allows UK researchers to collaborate with researchers in São Paulo state, Brazil under existing NERC funding opportunities via a single, shared review process. UK institutions submit the primary application through standard NERC calls; Brazilian partners from FAPESP-eligible institutions are named co-investigators. This partnership route suits researchers pursuing environmental, earth system, and life science questions with bilateral expertise and data needs.

## Who should apply

- UK-based researchers at NERC-eligible institutions
- Research teams with a clear need for Brazilian co-investigator expertise or access to São Paulo field sites
- Collaborators at FAPESP-eligible institutions in São Paulo state
- Projects fitting existing NERC research domains (environmental science, atmospheric science, earth observation, biosciences)

## Key dates

- Open continuously via existing NERC calls; apply according to the relevant host scheme deadline
- Single-stage peer review integrated with NERC standard process
- Project duration set by the host NERC funding opportunity

## Tips for applicants

- Identify your NERC host scheme first (e.g. Standard Grant, Large Grant); the NERC-FAPESP agreement routes through existing calls, not a dedicated competition.
- Confirm your Brazilian partner institution is FAPESP-eligible before drafting; São Paulo state coverage is stipulated by the lead agency deal.
- Use the single-review-process advantage: frame the UK and Brazil roles as complementary expertise or logistics, not duplicated teams, to strengthen the integrated case for both funders.

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I apply for the NERC-FAPESP lead agency collaboration?

Submit your application to the relevant NERC funding opportunity (Standard Grant, Large Grant, etc.) with Brazilian co-investigators named in the proposal. NERC and FAPESP conduct a single joint peer review.

### Can I include researchers from anywhere in Brazil?

No, the lead agency agreement covers researchers in São Paulo state only. Check that your Brazilian partners are FAPESP-eligible before applying.

### Is there a separate NERC-FAPESP deadline, or do I use the standard NERC schedule?

You apply through standard NERC deadline dates for the relevant host scheme; there is no separate lead agency deadline.

### Will my proposal be reviewed twice, once by NERC and once by FAPESP?

No; the lead agency agreement means NERC and FAPESP share a single peer review process, reducing duplication and speeding decisions.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/nerc-work-with-brazilian-researchers-nerc-fapesp-lead-a-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.