ESRC
Working with Brazilian Researchers
Original deadline 28 Sep 2023 has passed; subsequent responsive-mode rounds open on rolling basis until UKRI-FAPESP MoU expires end of 2025. Check UKRI Funding Service for current open round.
Last updated:
No deadline is on file for this call. Check ESRC's own call page for the current round's status before you plan around it.
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 | £280k–£800k (80% of £350k–£1M FEC) from ESRC; FAPESP funds São Paulo costs separately |
| Duration | Up to 5 years |
| Consortium | Required — minimum 1 UK-based lead (ESRC-eligible institution) and 1 São Paulo-based co-lead (FAPESP-eligible institution in State of São Paulo) |
| 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 | Continuous |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
UK–Brazil (ESRC–FAPESP) collaborative social science research. UK FEC £350k–£1M (80% funded by ESRC). São Paulo partners funded by FAPESP. Any social science topic within ESRC/FAPESP remit; social sciences must be >50% of focus. Proposals submitted in English via UKRI Funding Service (UK lead) and SAGe (São Paulo lead) in the same week.
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.
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