News
FAPESP and ISTPCanada issue call for proposals Versão em português
October 15, 2009
FAPESP and the International Science and Technology Partnerships Canada (ISTPCanada) signed a cooperation agreement aimed at funding collaborative research and development (R&D) projects, as well as exchange programs, developed by Brazilian and Canadian researchers in areas of mutual interest.
The two institutions also issued a call for proposals for the development of joint projects in the following areas: information and communication technology (including software development); energy (renewable energy sources and fuel cells); and life sciences (health biosciences and medical technology).
Operating under the auspices of the government of Canada, ISTPCanada facilitates the establishment of new R&D partnerships between companies and research organizations in Canada and similar entities in other countries, and also promotes fledgling activities of existing partnerships.
Celso Lafer, the president of FAPESP, stated that, “Our cooperation with ISTPCanada broadens the opportunities for research and increases the corresponding funds available to institutions and businesses, promoting advances in science and technology in fundamental sectors of the Brazilian economy.”
ISTPCanada will fund the activities of Canadian researchers in joint projects, whereas FAPESP will fund the portion developed by researchers in the state of São Paulo.
Proposals should present a balance between Brazilian and Canadian participants, in terms of their relative contributions to the project, and should include the participation of at least one for-profit business concern in each country.
Joint participation of academic and institutional researchers will be considered an important factor in evaluating the proposal, as will the outlining of R&D programs that encourage the exchange of young researchers between both countries.
Projects should be aimed at producing innovations that are commercially viable, resulting in a new product or process that is marketable in the short- or medium-term. Approved projects will have a maximum duration of 24 months.
“This call for proposals provides an opportunity for companies to increase their R&D potential and the resources available for innovation, thereby reducing the time it takes to bring new products and services to the market,” said Henri Rothschild, the president of ISTPCanada.
According to Carlos Henrique de Brito Cruz, FAPESP’s scientific director, “Collaborative research projects will raise the level of experience and knowledge possessed by small businesses in the state of São Paulo, as well as providing them access to the Canadian market and increasing their competitiveness. For larger companies with ties to researchers working in the state of São Paulo, the FAPESP/ISTPCanada call for proposals can expand access to the scientific knowledge that is essential to development and to remaining competitive.”
Proposals will be accepted until November 13.
Media Contacts
Fernando Cunha, FAPESP (www.fapesp.br) / (+55) 11 3838-4151
São Paulo Research Foundation – FAPESP – is an independent public foundation with the mission to foster research and the scientific and technological development of the State of São Paulo. This is achieved through the support of research projects carried out in higher education and research institutions, in all fields of knowledge.