Collaborate with Researchers in Brazil (UKRI-FAPESP Lead Agency)

About this grant

Under UKRI-FAPESP lead agency agreement, participant UKRI research councils receive and assess joint applications from eligible UK and Brazil-based researchers from state of São Paulo.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• UK: Employed by UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding
• Brazil: Based at eligible institution in State of São Paulo
• Brazilian lead must confirm eligibility with FAPESP and receive confirmation letter
• Applications submitted simultaneously to AHRC and SAGe system

What the funding covers

• UK: UKRI funds UK component according to council rules
• Brazil: FAPESP funds all justified costs
• Collaborative research across multiple disciplines

How to apply

1. 1We are running this funding opportunity on the new UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Funding Service so please ensure that your organisation is registered.
2. 2You cannot apply on the Joint Electronic Submissions (Je-S) system.
3. 3Review the specific funding opportunity guidance before applying with a São Paulo-based collaborator.
4. 4Check process guidance for applicants applying to different UKRI research councils.
5. 5All UKRI research councils transitioned from Je-S to the Funding Service.
6. 6Ensure relevant guidelines and requirements for the individual research council are followed.
7. 7Follow any internal institutional deadlines.
8. 8There are four steps to applying.
9. 9São Paulo-based project leads must first confirm eligibility with FAPESP and receive a letter confirming this.
10. 10The São Paulo-based project lead submits the FAPESP application via SAGe and awaits confirmation of pre-assessment checks.
11. 11The São Paulo-based project lead sends the SAGe application and letter of eligibility to the UK project lead.
12. 12Within 7 days of receiving the SAGe application, the UK project lead submits the UKRI application and uploads the FAPESP eligibility letter and SAGe application.
13. 13The UK project lead or principal investigator must create a login in the SAGe system.
14. 14The UK project lead or principal investigator must confirm participation in SAGe after nomination.
15. 15The São Paulo-based lead must generate a PDF copy of the FAPESP proposal for attachment to the UKRI application.
16. 16Required documents in the Funding Service include the FAPESP proposal form.
17. 17Required documents include the FAPESP letter of eligibility.
18. 18Further documentation may be required by FAPESP.
19. 19The project lead is responsible for completing the Funding Service application.
20. 20All team members and project partners are expected to contribute.
21. 21Only the lead research organisation can submit an application to UKRI.
22. 22Select ‘Start application’ near the beginning of the Funding finder page.
23. 23Confirm you are the project lead.
24. 24Sign in or create a Funding Service account.
25. 25If your organisation is not listed, email support@funding-service.ukri.org.
26. 26Allow at least 10 working days for organisation registration.
27. 27Consider creating an organisation Administration Account if requesting a new organisation entry.
28. 28Answer questions directly in the text boxes.
29. 29You can save answers and return later or draft offline and paste responses.
30. 30Follow Funding Service instructions if document uploads are required.
31. 31All questions and assessment criteria are listed in the How to apply section.
32. 32Check your application in read-only view before sending it to your research office.
33. 33Send the completed application to your research office for checking.
34. 34Your research office submits the completed and checked application to UKRI.
35. 35Visual elements may be included where indicated.
36. 36Provide a descriptive caption or legend under each image.
37. 37Insert each image on a new line.
38. 38Use files smaller than 5MB in approved image formats.
39. 39Images should only convey important visual information not easily expressed in words.
40. 40Sentences or paragraphs of text in images are not permitted.
41. 41Tables in images are not permitted.
42. 42Excessive quantities of images are not permitted.
43. 43Limited contextual words are permitted where needed for diagram clarity.
44. 44See guidance for applicants, research offices and reviewers using the Funding Service.
45. 45References should be included within the word count of the relevant question.
46. 46Prioritise only the most pertinent references.
47. 47Hyperlinks can be used in reference information.
48. 48Ensure references are identifiable, appropriately formatted and use persistent identifiers where possible.
49. 49Applications should be self-contained.
50. 50Hyperlinks should only link directly to reference information.
51. 51Do not use hyperlinks to extend the application.
52. 52Assessors are not required to access links during assessment.
53. 53Use of generative AI tools is permitted, but caution should be applied.
54. 54See UKRI policy on use of generative AI in application and assessment.
55. 55Closing date differs by funding opportunity.
56. 56Applications cannot be submitted after the deadline.
57. 57Follow internal institutional deadlines.
58. 58Applications cannot be changed after submission.
59. 59Applications may be rejected if they do not follow guidance.
60. 60UKRI will collect personal information to manage Funding Service accounts and applications.
61. 61Personal data will be handled securely under UK data protection legislation.
62. 62Application information will be shared with FAPESP for assessment.
63. 63If confidential information must be disclosed, email the relevant council.
64. 64Use the specified subject line format for sensitive information emails.
65. 65Examples of confidential information include unavailability dates, declarations of interest, eligibility clarifications, reviewer conflicts and invited resubmission status.
66. 66See UKRI privacy notice for information on personal data handling.
67. 67UKRI will publish outcomes of the funding opportunity as indicated in the relevant opportunity.
68. 68If successful, some personal information will be published on the UKRI Gateway to Research.

Application tips