Pioneer Science Announcement — Researchers in Independent Career Consolidation: Frequently Asked Questions

The information below refers to the Pioneer Science Announcement — Researchers in consolidation
of independent career 2024. This page is periodically updated throughout the selection process. Have questions? Write to contato@cienciapioneira.org.

What type of research will the public call support?

The Pioneer Science public call seeks to support fundamental research projects that address major questions in the fields of health and biomedical sciences, as well as their interfaces with exact sciences. Major questions are those that challenge current scientific knowledge, offer new perspectives for advancement, or deepen understanding in specific scientific areas. The focus is on original and bold projects, especially those that present a high degree of risk and innovation. Projects that merely replicate previous work will not be supported. Clinical research or technological development projects are also not the subject of this announcement. It is essential that there is a new and significant contribution to the field.

Will the evaluation reports be disclosed?

Candidates not selected for Phase 2 will not receive reports on their pre-proposals. However, candidates whose proposals reach the final stage will receive feedback from the evaluators, regardless of whether they are approved for funding.

How to submit a proposal to the announcement?

Proposals must be submitted electronically through the Pioneer Science portal on the Fluxx platform by the deadlines established in the call.

How is the selection process structured?

The selection process is divided into two phases. In Phase 1, candidates must submit a pre-proposal containing basic information about the project. The pre-proposals will be evaluated by reviewers, and projects that meet the eligibility criteria and scientific merit will be selected for the next stage. In Phase 2, the chosen candidates must submit a complete proposal. Both the pre-proposal (Phase 1) and the complete proposal (Phase 2) must be written in English. The final stage of the process includes an interview in English with the proposers.

Is it necessary to include a detailed budget in my proposal?

Only in Phase 2. In Phase 1, the pre-proposal does not need to include a budget. Candidates selected for Phase 2 must submit complete proposals, which include a simplified budget. After the results of this second phase are announced, candidates selected for funding will have two weeks to detail the budget, adjusting it according to the funders’ guidelines (Faperj and Pioneer Science). In the case of resources from Pioneer Science, expenses may be adjusted throughout the execution of the project among the different budget items.

Can the supports from Pioneer Science through public calls be extended?

Supports from Pioneer Science through public calls can be extended for an additional three years. To do this, the project must be submitted and approved in a new selection process.

Is it possible for the researcher to pay a scholarship to themselves when part of the research is expected to be conducted abroad?

No. The announcement does not allow self-remuneration with the resources. The amount granted through the announcement cannot be transferred to other countries either.

Regarding eligibility, the announcement states that the candidate must have defended their doctorate since January 2015, with an exception for women with children. Is there any exception for people who had international mobility throughout their career, such as those who did sandwich doctorates?

The only exception provided in the announcement is for women who had children during the period.

Are postdoctoral researchers with scholarship links eligible for the announcement?

Postdoctoral researchers without employment ties or without formal functional ties (for example, as visiting, substitute, or temporary professors or researchers) with Brazilian research institutions are not eligible for this announcement.

Is a researcher with a technical link in a research institution (public or private) eligible to apply, considering they also conduct research activities?

If the candidate has obtained their doctorate during the period described in the announcement, and conducts activities as a leader of an independent research group, they may apply.

Is it allowed for the project to have two responsible researchers?

For the purposes of this announcement, only one researcher should be designated as responsible for the proposal. This does not prevent the project from being developed in collaboration with other research groups, but only one researcher should be indicated as the official proponent.

Are foreigners accepted?

Yes, as long as they are affiliated through an employment contract or formal functional link to a Brazilian institution. Resources from the support provided by this announcement cannot be transferred to institutions abroad.

If the doctorate diploma has not yet been issued, will a declaration or defense minutes be accepted?

The date of approval of the doctorate, according to the declaration from the PPG coordination, will be observed in the case of doctorate diplomas not yet issued.

What type of documentation is accepted as proof of employment or functional link?

A declaration in Portuguese on letterhead issued by the director of the institute, head of department, or equivalent that proves the mentioned link will be accepted.

What is the date for the announcement of the list of selected candidates for phase 2 and the invitation for the submission of complete proposals?

The date for the announcement of the list of selected candidates for phase 2, as well as the sending of the invitation for the submission of complete proposals, is December 20, 2024.