Launched in 1998, the CEPID program aims to fund the establishment of world-class research centers committed to the development of scientific research, human resource training, technology transfer, and the dissemination of knowledge to society.
The most important characteristic of the CEPIDs is the multiplicity of their missions. In addition to their primary mission of developing basic or applied research focused on specific themes or objectives, the centers must actively seek opportunities to contribute to innovation through the development of effective means of technology transfer. The centers are also responsible for offering outreach activities aimed at primary and secondary education, and the general public, including the involvement of students and teachers in research, teacher training, and science communication.
Since 1998, 7 calls for proposals have been launched. In all of them, the projects have an initial duration of 5 years, which can be renewed for two additional 3-year periods, totaling 11 years of funding. FAPESP's financial contribution ranges from R$ 40 million to R$ 50 million per project, considering the initial 5-year period.
The scientific merit analysis of the proposals follows a rigorous system structured into two main phases: Phase 1 (pre-proposal eligibility) and Phase 2 (merit analysis - peer review). Only the proposals deemed eligible in Phase 1 proceed to Phase 2, in which each proposal is analyzed by five ad hoc reviewers affiliated with institutions abroad, selected based on their expertise in the subject and experience in evaluating large projects. Following this analysis, the highest-rated proposals are examined by an International Committee, which recommends the approval of the best proposals to FAPESP. The results then proceed for approval by the Scientific Director and, subsequently, by the Technical-Administrative Council and the Superior Council of FAPESP.
Having a CEPID approved by FAPESP is considered one of the greatest and most difficult competitive challenges in a scientist's career in Brazil—the very top of the state scientific funding pyramid, with a level of rigor and competition comparable to international agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) or the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States.
More information about the Program: programa-cepid@fapesp.br
Cutting Edge Research
Long-term funding (10+years) for multi-institutional research centers of excellence, in all areas of knowledge (folder with supported projects)
RIDC 2024 Call for Proposals - Health Sciences, Biological Sciences and Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine
RIDC 2023 Call for Proposals - Exact and Earth Sciences and Engineering | Selected proposals
RIDC 2022 Call for Proposals - Humanities and Social Sciences, Architecture and Urbanism, Economics and Administration | Selected proposals
RIDC 2021 Call for Proposals - Health, Biological, Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences | Selected proposals
Research projects supported in the RIDC Program at FAPESP's Virtual Library
FAPESP publications about the RIDC:
