São Paulo – Foreigners interested in developing research in Brazil may find good opportunities for financial aid at the State of São Paulo Research Foundation (Fapesp). The institution aims to attract more researchers from other countries so they may exchange experience with Brazilians and even become interested in institutions from São Paulo.
"It is important for Brazilian researchers to have the opportunity of working with professionals from other countries, said Fapesp president Celso Lafer, at a meeting with members of the Association of Foreign Correspondents in São Paulo, on Monday (22).
"Our bet is that, during the time they are here, they may become interested in a position in the research centres of the state of São Paulo," said Carlos Henrique de Brito Cruz, scientific director at the foundation. Despite the institution’s interest in maintaining scholarship students in the country, the foreign researchers do not have any obligation of staying in Brazil after the end of the scholarship.
Currently, Fapesp finances 12,000 scholarships, of which little over 300 are used by foreign researchers. According to Cruz, the foundation does not have a defined number of posts for expansion of foreign researchers, but he said there are opportunities for those interested "be they from any part of the world, and interested in research in the area of knowledge".
Today, most of the foreign researchers assisted by Fapesp come from the United States. The organisation could not inform whether there are Arab researchers among those using the grants. The main areas for research by foreigners are Physics, Chemistry and Health Science. (Learn about the kinds of scholarships foreign students can participate in below)
Fapesp also has contracts for cooperation with several research institutions worldwide, including some in France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, Argentina, Mexico, Canada and the United States.
Public investment
Established in 1962, Fapesp is maintained by the transfer of 1% of taxes paid in the state of São Paulo. Currently, the foundation disburses around one third of its funds through scholarships. In 2009, investment totalled 680 million Brazilian reals (US$ 400 million) for the fostering of science and technology in the state. In 2010, up to December, investment should reach 780 million reals (US$ 459 million).
Among the areas of research that most received investment in 2009 are Health (27.89%); Biology (15.64%), Engineering (13.84%) and Human and Social Sciences (9.29%). The four main areas of strategic research maintained by Fapesp are in global climate change, bioenergy, biodiversity and neuroscience turned to epilepsy.
Service:
Kinds of scholarships offered to foreigners:
1- Travelling researcher: Those travelling at the invitation of a Brazilian researcher to develop their work in São Paulo. Round-trip tickets are covered, as is a salary compatible with the area of operation. The program may last from 2 weeks to five months.
2- Post-doctoral scholarship: For professionals with a doctorate received up to seven years prior to the scholarship. Monthly payment of US$ 3,000 plus round trip tickets for the scholar and his family, as well as 15% of the sum of monthly payments for use in the research. The program may take up to four years.
3- Young researcher: Round trip ticket, as well as a scholarship of up to US$ 37,500 a year. The program may take up to four years.
Further information about the Fapesp may be obtained on site www.fapesp.br/en/.
*Translated by Mark Ament
