and CONFAP to support collaborative research in advanced lignocellulosic biofuels (photo: Pesquisa FAPESP)” src=”https://www.facepe.br/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/foto-dentro9890-0.jpg” width=”220″ height=”171″ /> A call for proposals is announced with collaboration from MCTI and CONFAP to support collaborative research in advanced lignocellulosic biofuels (photo: Pesquisa FAPESP)

The São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), jointly with the National Council for the State Funding Agencies (CONFAP) and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), announces a call for proposals with the European Comission to fund international collaborative research in advanced lignocellulosic biofuels.

The call aims at exploiting synergies between Brazil and Europe in terms of scientific expertise and resources in topics related to advanced biofuels by implementing coordinated projects.

One of the following sub-challenges should be addressed by the proposals:

a) Gasification of bagasse to syngas and advanced liquid fuel production, including biofuels for aviation.

b) Applied research to biomass production logistics and applied research for feedstock diversification for advanced biofuels.

c) Development of new fermentation and separation technologies for advanced liquid biofuels and applied research to increase the energy efficiency of advanced biofuel processes.

Aligned Brazilian and European projects shall have the same start date, the same duration – up to 5 years, same targets, and must demonstrate clearly how the coordination among them will bring added scientific value.

Minimum conditions for participation are:

a) There must be at least three PIs (i.e. three participants); being one in the State of São Paulo and others established in different Brazilian States with a research foundation that agreed to support the call.

b) There must be a company in Brazil associated to the proposal, committed to funding at least 50% of the Brazil side costs.

It is envisaged that applications will be for a balanced partnership, not specifically in monetary terms even due to the exchange rate difference, but with equivalent research commitment and efforts from both sides.

The budget for the call to fund the selected proposals is up to EUR 6-10 Million (3-5 Million for the EC call and a balanced effort from the Brazilian side). The agencies expect to fund one coordinated project, i.e. one project will be funded by MCTI/FAPESP/CONFAP and one project will be funded by the EU.

The call for proposals is available at: www.fapesp.br/9762.