Pioneer Science

Up to eight young scientists will be awarded, with funding that can total R$ 3.8 million

Pioneer Science announced this Friday, (3), the second edition of the National Call to support young researchers. The initiative will select up to eight researchers in career consolidation, with innovative projects in the fields of health, biomedical, and exact sciences. The planned investment is up to R$ 3.8 million.

Each selected scientist will receive R$ 480 thousand to apply over three years, in addition to access to the infrastructure of the D’Or Institute of Research and Education (IDOR). Applications will be open from January 12 to February 13, 2026.

About the Call:

The call seeks original and innovative projects (with disruptive potential) at the interface between health sciences, biomedical, and exact sciences. Proposals must fit into one or more of the three focus areas of Pioneer Science: molecular and cellular biology, physics and mathematics of biology, and neuroscience and cognition.

“With this new call, we reaffirm our commitment to valuing young scientific talents and building a more innovative science connected to the major challenges of the country and the world. We believe that supporting early-career researchers is betting on the future, and it is precisely at this beginning that bold ideas, capable of transforming the way we do science, need space and trust to grow,” says Sergio Ferreira, Scientific Director of Pioneer Science.

Who can participate:

Researchers with up to ten years since obtaining their doctoral degree (or 12 in the case of women with children) can apply for the call, who have a formal link as professors or visiting/substitute/temporary researchers in Brazilian ICTs, and who have their own research lines – that is, in the implementation or consolidation phase of independent research groups.

How the selection will be made:

The selection process will be carried out in three stages. In the first, candidates submit pre-proposals, which will be evaluated anonymously by national and international reviewers, ensuring an analysis with an emphasis on the innovation potential of the proposal. Then, after the submission of these evaluations, the reviewers will have access to the candidates’ professional history, which will also be considered in the analysis. Those approved in this first selection phase will advance to the second phase, dedicated to the submission of complete proposals, which will be evaluated by a committee of reviewers. This stage also includes conducting interviews with the candidates, composing the final selection process.

PERIOD FOR SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS:

January 12 to February 13

CALL 2026:

Pioneer Science Call — Researchers in independent career consolidation (Early Career Scholars)

DOCUMENT MODELS:

Curriculum vitae model

Complete proposal model (for submission in phase 2 of the selection process)

QUESTIONS:

Visit the page of frequently asked questions.

SCHEDULE:

10/03/2025 – Announcement of the public call

12/11/2025 – Publication of the public call