Unprecedented Partnership: CNPEM and Max Planck Society Launch Joint Call to Boost Cutting-Edge International Research

In an unprecedented move to foster scientific cooperation between Brazil and Germany, the National Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) and the Max Planck Society announce the launch of the public call for their joint fund—MPI-CNPEM Strategic Collaboration.

 

The initiative was designed to act as a catalyst for research networks, driving the creation of scientific partnerships between the institutions.

“This initiative marks an unprecedented moment for CNPEM by establishing a structured joint funding mechanism between the Center and the Max Planck Institutes. We want to build solid bridges so that our researchers can work side by side, at the frontier of knowledge, generating high-impact global results,” highlights Marilda Bottesi, Coordinator of the EPEA (Office of Strategic Planning and Institutional Articulation) at CNPEM and and lead for this initiative.

The program will operate as a pilot project focused on proposals with a duration of 1 to 2 years. The expectation is that the initiative will pave the way for long-term, wide-ranging collaboration between the two countries.

“International cooperation is the key to solving the great scientific challenges of our time. This joint call paves the way for consolidating long-term partnerships between Germany and Brazil, allowing the combined expertise of our institutes to drive truly sustainable research networks,” notes Tobias Rengart, Representative for Latin America at the Max Planck Society.

Investment and Scope of Proposals

In this first call, a joint evaluation committee will approve up to five collaborative project proposals. Each selected project will receive total funding of 20,000 euros, split equally: 10,000 euros funded by CNPEM and 10,000 euros by the Max Planck Institutes involved in the proposals.

The resources will be allocated to cover:

• Planning trips and working missions;

• Conducting joint experiments, workshops, and symposia;

• Researcher exchanges.

The call covers strategic areas of convergence between the institutions, including Life Sciences and Medicine, Energy, Materials Science (with Micro- and Nanofabrication), Biodiversity, Artificial Intelligence, and Accelerator Engineering.

According to Antonio José Roque, Director-General of CNPEM, the structure of the call was specifically designed to give scientists flexibility. “The key feature of this call is its flexibility to leverage connections ranging from a few individual researchers to large and diverse research groups, providing the necessary support for innovative projects and talent exchange. It is a unique opportunity to join two centers of scientific and technological excellence, combining forces to generate high-impact global results.”

Call Schedule

Proposals must be submitted jointly by the lead researchers from each institution within the established deadlines:

• Opening of registrations: August 20, 2026

• Submission deadline: September 30, 2026

• Announcement of results: November 20, 2026

Eligible researchers from CNPEM and the Max Planck Institutes can view the full call for proposals at the link below or request guidance through the institutions’ support channels.