AHRC Responsive Mode: Working with Brazilian Researchers

About this grant

Collaborative research grant application within the remit of Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and State of São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP). Funding to work with overseas researchers in the State of São Paulo, Brazil.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• UK partners: based at UK research organisation eligible for AHRC funding
• Brazilian partners: based at eligible institution in State of São Paulo
• Brazilian lead must first confirm eligibility with FAPESP and receive confirmation letter
• Applications submitted simultaneously to AHRC and through SAGe system

What the funding covers

• Collaborative research between UK and Brazilian researchers
• UK: FEC between £300K-£1.5 million, AHRC funds 80%
• Brazil: FAPESP funds all justified costs
• Maximum duration: 5 years

How to apply

1. 1Use UKRI Funding Service only; Je-S cannot be used
2. 2Ensure organisation is registered on Funding Service
3. 3Only lead research organisation can submit
4. 4Project lead completes application with contributions from team and partners
5. 5São Paulo project lead must first confirm eligibility with FAPESP
6. 6Obtain FAPESP eligibility confirmation letter
7. 7São Paulo lead submits application through SAGe system
8. 8Await FAPESP pre-assessment confirmation
9. 9São Paulo lead sends SAGe application copy and eligibility letter to UK lead
10. 10UK lead must submit UKRI application within 7 days of receiving SAGe application
11. 11Upload FAPESP eligibility letter and SAGe application copy as attachments
12. 12Select Start Application on Funding Finder
13. 13Confirm project lead status
14. 14Create or sign in to Funding Service account
15. 15Contact support@funding-service.ukri.org if organisation is missing
16. 16Allow 10 working days for organisation registration
17. 17Create organisation Administration Account (recommended)
18. 18Complete responses in text boxes and upload required documents
19. 19Review application in read-only mode before sending to research office
20. 20Submit to research office for checking before final UKRI submission
21. 21Use images sparingly, each on new line with legend, under 5MB in approved formats
22. 22Use references within sections only; no links to extend application
23. 23Persistent identifiers such as DOIs preferred
24. 24Generative AI permitted with caution under UKRI policy
25. 25Funding opportunity is always open; ignore displayed system closing date
26. 26Applications cannot be changed after submission
27. 27Rejected invited resubmissions targeted for review within 9 months
28. 28Sensitive information should be emailed separately to AHRC
29. 29Application data may be shared with FAPESP for assessment
30. 30No institutional matched funding required beyond 20% FEC
31. 31Third-party partner contributions encouraged
32. 32Successful applications may be published on Gateway to Research
33. 33Prepare Summary section (550 words): context, challenge, aims, benefits
34. 34Assign Core Team roles using UKRI role types
35. 35São Paulo funded applicants must be listed as Project Co-Lead International
36. 36Choose one Primary Discipline classification
37. 37Provide Secondary Discipline keywords
38. 38Upload FAPESP application form and eligibility letter as a single PDF
39. 39Prepare Vision section (550 words): excellence, innovation, impact, beneficiaries
40. 40Prepare Approach section (2750 words): methods, feasibility, risks, environment, impact pathway
41. 41Prepare Applicant and Team Capability section (1650 words) using R4RI format
42. 42Include UK and São Paulo teams in capability section
43. 43Cover R4RI modules: knowledge generation, team development, community contribution, societal benefit
44. 44Use Additions section only for contextual factors, not extra achievements
45. 45Add project partner details and contributions
46. 46Upload project partner support letters as single PDF or enter N/A
47. 47Support letters limited to two A4 pages per partner
48. 48Do not include letters from host or co-lead research organisations
49. 49Prepare Ethics and RRI section (500 words): ethics, data governance, compliance
50. 50Prepare Resources and Cost Justification (1000 words)
51. 51Include only UK costs in UK resources table
52. 52São Paulo costs should be included only in FAPESP SAGe application
53. 53Justify major costs: staff, travel, consumables, facilities, exceptions
54. 54Equipment over £25,000 is not funded
55. 55Formal collaboration agreements required if award is made

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