ESRC
Working with Brazilian Researchers
MoU expires end of 2025; rounds open/close on rolling basis via ESRC Research Grants scheme. Previous deadline was 28 September 2023. Check UKRI Funding Service for current open round.
Last verified:
The ESRC Working with Brazilian Researchers call funds joint UK, Brazil collaborative social science research, requiring a UK PI based at an eligible UK institution and a São Paulo-based PI applying through FAPESP. Applicants must comply with ESRC ethics and data governance frameworks. This is a partnered call with no fixed budget ceiling stated here; costs are submitted through separate channels (UKRI Funding Service for UK, FAPESP SAGe for Brazil).
Details
| Funder | ESRC |
| Budget | £350k–£1M (80% FEC, UK part); FAPESP funds Brazilian part separately |
| Duration | Up to 5 years |
| Consortium | Required — UK project lead (ESRC-funded) plus at least one São Paulo-based partner (FAPESP-funded); parallel applications to both ESRC (UKRI Funding Service) and FAPESP (SAGe) required |
| Application | 2-stage: São Paulo PI submits to FAPESP via SAGe first, then UK lead submits to UKRI Funding Service in the same week with SAGe PDF and FAPESP eligibility letter attached |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Collaborative social science research between UK institutions (ESRC-eligible) and São Paulo-based institutions (FAPESP-eligible, public or non-profit HEIs/research orgs in São Paulo state). Full economic cost £350k–£1M; ESRC funds 80%. Social sciences must be >50% of focus. No thematic priorities; highest-quality proposals funded. Proposals must be submitted in English.
Who Should Apply
- •UK researchers based at ESRC-eligible institutions
- •Researchers with an established or newly identified partner in São Paulo or broader Brazil
- •Social science projects with binational collaborative ambition
- •Teams prepared to manage dual-funding submissions and governance frameworks
Key Dates
- •Two-stage review: Expert Review then Panel assessment
- •Assessment process aims to complete by spring 2024
- •Submit UK costs via UKRI Funding Service; Brazilian costs via FAPESP SAGe
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Secure your São Paulo co-PI and confirm FAPESP eligibility before drafting; FAPESP partner involvement is mandatory and non-negotiable.
- ✓Budget and administrative timelines differ between UKRI and FAPESP systems; liaise early with both institutions to avoid delays at submission.
- ✓Frame the research question and ethics case in ways that satisfy both ESRC and FAPESP review panels; one set of ethics clearance rarely satisfies both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs to apply for the ESRC Working with Brazilian Researchers call?
A UK PI based at an eligible UK research organisation and a São Paulo-based PI who applies through FAPESP SAGe.
How does the application process work for UK, Brazil teams?
It is a two-stage process: Expert Review followed by Panel assessment; UK costs go through UKRI Funding Service and Brazilian costs through FAPESP SAGe.
What research ethics rules apply?
Proposals must comply with the ESRC Framework for Research Ethics and ESRC Research Data Policy.
Can I apply if my Brazilian partner is not in São Paulo?
The call specifies a São Paulo-based co-PI; applicants should verify FAPESP eligibility and geographic scope on the joint call page.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
More from ESRC
Doctoral Focal Award Plus: Innovating in Data-Driven Research
Up to £5.75MAcademic Lead for Ministry of Justice Data First programme
ESRC-FAPESP: Working with Brazilian Researchers
£280,000–£800,000 (80% FEC of £350k–£1M UK part)Academic Lead partnership with Department for Work and Pensions and HMRC for economic data
Browse Related
Could Working with Brazilian Researchers be right for you?
See your personalised match score for this grant and others in 30 seconds. No signup needed to preview.
See my matches free →