ESRC
ESRC-FAPESP: Working with Brazilian Researchers
The deadline mentioned (28 September 2023) is past. Subsequent rounds open on a rolling basis until end of 2025 MoU; no current open deadline confirmed in this segment.
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The ESRC-FAPESP partnership funds UK-Brazil collaborative social science research with up to £800,000 (80% of the £350k-£1M full economic cost) over five years. UK project leads must be at ESRC-eligible institutions and partner with a FAPESP-funded researcher in São Paulo, with both parties leading equally; research must be >50% social sciences. Applications run on an annual cycle through coordinated submissions to FAPESP and ESRC, with the partnership agreement set to expire at the end of 2025, check the UKRI Funding Service for the current open round.
Details
| Funder | ESRC |
| Budget | £280,000–£800,000 (80% FEC of £350k–£1M UK part) |
| Duration | Up to 5 years |
| Consortium | Required — UK project lead plus São Paulo-based FAPESP-funded co-lead; international co-leads also permitted |
| Application | 2-stage: São Paulo PI submits to FAPESP via SAGe first, then UK lead submits to ESRC via UKRI Funding Service in the same week |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
UK-Brazil collaborative social science research. UK project lead must be at an ESRC-eligible organisation; São Paulo partners must be at public/non-profit HE or research institutions in the State of São Paulo and eligible for FAPESP funding. UK FEC £350k–£1M (80% funded by ESRC); FAPESP funds São Paulo costs separately. No thematic restrictions; social sciences must be >50% of effort.
Who Should Apply
- •UK social science researchers based at ESRC-eligible institutions seeking international collaboration
- •Researchers with an established relationship or new partnership with a FAPESP-eligible colleague in São Paulo
- •Teams proposing >50% social science content with cross-disciplinary or applied ambition
- •Applicants comfortable with coordinated two-country submission timelines and institutional dual-review processes
Key Dates
- •Annual deadlines; check UKRI Funding Service for the current open round opening and closing dates (partnership expires end of 2025)
- •Two-stage: São Paulo partner submits to FAPESP via SAGe first, then UK lead submits to ESRC via UKRI Funding Service in the same week
- •Up to five-year project duration
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Co-ordination is critical, confirm FAPESP submission timing with your São Paulo partner well in advance; both proposals must be submitted in the same week or risk desk rejection.
- ✓FAPESP's eligibility rules are strict; your partner must be based in São Paulo State at a public or non-profit HEI/research organisation, or the ESRC submission will be ineligible.
- ✓The research must be >50% social sciences by design, not by accident; clearly signpost disciplinary balance and intellectual leadership in the proposal abstract.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the ESRC-FAPESP UK-Brazil grant pay?
Up to £800,000, which represents 80% of the full economic cost (FEC) capped at £350k-£1M.
Do I need a partner in São Paulo to apply?
Yes, you must have a UK project lead at an ESRC-eligible institution and an equal São Paulo-based co-lead at a public or non-profit HEI/research organisation eligible for FAPESP.
How often does the ESRC-FAPESP call open?
Annually; verify the exact open and closing dates on the UKRI Funding Service, as the partnership expires at the end of 2025.
What disciplines does the ESRC-FAPESP partnership fund?
Social science research >50% by content; no specific thematic priorities, highest-quality proposals across the social sciences funded.
Do I submit to ESRC and FAPESP separately?
Yes, it is a two-stage coordinated process: your São Paulo partner submits to FAPESP via SAGe first, then you submit to ESRC via UKRI Funding Service in the same week.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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