The initiative will support researchers from Espírito Santo in scientific missions linked to excellence projects funded by the Horizon Europe program.

The Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapes) has joined the ERC–CONFAP 2026 international call, an initiative promoted by the National Council of State Research Support Foundations (Confap) in partnership with the European Research Council (ERC). The call aims to support the mobility of PhD researchers based in Brazil to work with research teams in Europe connected to projects funded by the ERC.

The initiative is carried out under the Implementation Agreement signed between the European Commission and Confap, originally established under the Horizon 2020 program and currently in force within Horizon Europe 2021–2027. The proposal seeks to strengthen the internationalization of science, technology, and innovation developed in Brazilian states by promoting the integration of researchers into multidisciplinary excellence projects at the forefront of knowledge.

Through its participation in the call, Fapes will support up to three projects involving researchers from Espírito Santo. The maximum funding per proposal will be US$ 6,000, totaling an investment of up to US$ 18,000 through resources from the Espírito Santo State Science and Technology Fund (Funcitec). The funding may be used to cover airfare, travel insurance, daily allowances, and monthly stipends related to the scientific missions.

Approved scientific missions may be carried out over periods ranging from 6 to 12 months, or through short-term technical visits, provided they are linked to ERC-funded projects open to Brazilian researchers.

Among the main eligibility criteria, applicants must hold at least a PhD degree, be affiliated with a higher education, research, technology, or innovation institution located in Espírito Santo, and reside in the state. Each researcher may submit only one proposal under the call.

Interested applicants must submit their proposals by July 10, 2026, through the Confap platform. After the eligibility analysis, approved researchers will gain access to the list of ERC-funded projects open to receiving Brazilian researchers. The call schedule foresees the start of international mobility activities beginning in October 2026.

Service Information

ERC-Confap 2026 Call (in English): click here to access the English version of the call
Fapes Guidelines: click here to access
Confap Publication: click here to access
Confap Submission Platform: click here to access
Application Deadline: July 10, 2026
Start of Approved Projects: from October 2026 onward

Questions regarding the call may be directed to: internacional.confap@gmail.com
Questions regarding Fapes guidelines may be directed to: global@fapes.es.gov.br

With information from Confap.

Press Information:

Fapes Communications Office
Samantha Nepomuceno | Igor Gonçalves
+55 (27) 3636-1867 | +55 (27) 3636-1858
comunicacao@fapes.es.gov.br