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Berlin University Alliance launches calls for proposals for international research collaboration with partners in São Paulo and Chicago

International cooperations

International cooperations
Image Credit: Sabine Gudat

In September 2025, the Berlin University Alliance and the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) signed a memorandum of understanding. The aim of the agreement with the research funding foundation of Brazil's most populous state, São Paulo, is to specifically expand and deepen research cooperation between Brazil and Berlin. Now, the Berlin University Alliance and FAPESP are announcing their first funding line for international research cooperation. Researchers from the BUA can apply until March 15. The Berlin University Alliance is also intensifying its network of strategic partnerships with leading universities in North America: Together with the University of Chicago (Illinois) and Northwestern University in Evanston (Illinois) and Chicago, the Berlin University Alliance is creating new opportunities for innovative research collaborations with a call for proposals. The collaboration builds on a call for proposals issued by the University of Chicago in the summer of 2025 and serves to prepare for larger joint research projects.

News from Jan 19, 2026

The two calls for proposals are based on long-standing collaborations between the alliance partners Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin with partners in São Paulo and Chicago. The joint calls with renowned international partners are an expression of the excellent international relationships that the alliance of excellence has built up in science and politics since its foundation. The aim of the calls for proposals by the Berlin University Alliance, FAPESP, and Chicago is to strengthen science on a global scale and to drive innovation forward together with international research partners.

Research collaborations with São Paulo (Brazil)

With start-up funding of up to €20,000 per project, the Berlin University Alliance and FAPESP support the establishment of new research collaborations and the organization of bilateral workshops between researchers from Brazil and Berlin. Funding for joint research projects is available for up to 24 months. FAPESP supports research groups in São Paulo.

Dates at a glance

  • Application deadline: March 15, 2026
  • Project start date: June 1, 2026
  • Online information event on the call for proposals on January 26, 2026, from 4:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Link to the Webex meeting.

Further information on the current call for proposals can be found here.

Research collaborations with Chicago (USA)

Applications are open to both existing and new collaborations. BUA applicants can receive funding of up to €22,500 per project.

Dates at a glance

  • Application deadline: February 13, 2026
  • Project duration: March 2026 – August 2026

Further information on the call for proposals can be found here.

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