São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) is a public institution with the mission of supporting scientific research in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. FAPESP is based on the conviction that science and technology are fundamental for the social and economic development of any country.
Founded in 1962, FAPESP has been working to improve the quality of life of the people of São Paulo through scientific and technological innovation. The Foundation provides grants for research projects in all areas of knowledge, including natural sciences, humanities, engineering and applied sciences.
FAPESP also supports research infrastructure, training of new researchers and dissemination of scientific knowledge. In addition to its headquarters in São Paulo, FAPESP has offices in Rio de Janeiro, Brasília and Washington DC.
The foundation was created by state law nº 5010/62 on April 11th 1962 with Dr. Adib Jatene as its first President. It is governed by a Board composed by representatives from different segments of Brazilian society such as academia, business sector and government institutions. The current Board Chairman is José Goldemberg and the Executive Director is Carlos Américo Pacheco e Cunha Netto.
FAPESP’s budget comes from two sources: an annual appropriation from the state government; and voluntary contributions from individuals or legal entities resident or domiciled in Brazil that opt to destine part or all of their taxes owing to the state government to FAPESP under article 14-A or 17-A*of Lei Complementar 640/2011 (State Tax Code).