Regional Brazilian Science Agencies Boost Investments in Research and Innovation in 2025
Brazilian regional science agencies, Fundect and Fapes, sharply increase investments in 2025, driving research growth and innovation ecosystems.
- • Mato Grosso do Sul's Fundect raised research investments from R$9 million in 2017 to R$74 million in 2025, totaling R$240 million since 2017.
- • Fundect awarded thousands of scholarships supporting all academic levels, with UFMS receiving the largest share of funds.
- • Fapes plans to invest approximately R$250 million in Espírito Santo by end of 2025, surpassing 2024's R$200 million funding.
- • Both agencies emphasize international collaboration, comprehensive researcher support, and innovation commercialization programs.
- • Fundect and Fapes initiatives are bolstering Brazil's regional innovation ecosystems and scientific development.
Key details
In 2025, regional scientific agencies in Brazil have significantly increased their investments in research and innovation, marking a transformative phase for local scientific ecosystems. Mato Grosso do Sul's Fundect has amplified its research funding by over 720% since 2017, with annual investments rising from R$ 9 million to more than R$ 74 million this year. Since 2017, Fundect has allocated R$ 240 million to universities and research institutes, supporting 3,128 undergraduate, 900 master's, 886 doctoral, and 128 post-doctoral scholarships. The University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS) is a major beneficiary, receiving R$ 25.3 million in scholarships and R$ 85.2 million for projects. Fundect's president, Márcio de Araújo Pereira, highlighted the foundation's role in societal improvement and fostering scientific training. In Espírito Santo, the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa e Inovação do Espírito Santo (Fapes) plans to invest approximately R$ 250 million by the end of 2025, building upon over R$ 200 million invested in 2024. Fapes supports the entire scientific training trajectory from basic education through post-doctorate and leads national per capita investment in research scholarships, surpassing federal agencies. Director Rodrigo Varejão emphasized Fapes' integral role in innovation, supporting projects from conception to market, and internationalizing Espírito Santo's research efforts, including initiatives like Doutorado Sanduíche and Dr. Empreendedor Capixaba to enhance global collaboration and entrepreneurial opportunities. These targeted funding increases underscore the strategic regional commitment to science and technology in Brazil, advancing health, agriculture, sustainability, social inclusion, and broader innovation ecosystems.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
