Royal Society hosts conference showcasing some of Brazil’s best science

The Royal Society is hosting a two and half day conference organised by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), Brazil’s leading regional research funding agency, to highlight the benefits of scientific cooperation with São Paulo state. The event, which is taking place from 25th-27th September, featured a keynote speech from Universities and Science Minister David Willetts and brings together UK and European scientists to explore opportunities for exchange and collaboration, whilst showcasing FAPESP’s work and its links with universities and industry.

The FAPESP Week London conference is promoting international scientific cooperation between Brazil and its European partners in the fields of biodiversity, climate change, health sciences, bio-energy and nanotechnology. FAPESP has a state-sponsored annual budget of around US$ 500 million (£325 million), funding Brazilian and international scientists working with universities and research institutions in the state of São Paulo. The state is responsible for 50% of the scientific articles published yearly, as well 45% of doctoral level scientists graduating yearly in Brazil. In the word’s of the Society’s Foreign Secretary, Professor Martyn Poliakoff, who is hosting the event, “we are delighted that FAPESP Week will be taking place at the Royal Society this year. It is a fantastic opportunity to promote the existing links between UK and Brazilian science and to help foster new collaborative work. The Royal Society is committed to innovative science not only in the UK, but internationally. As 2013 is the Royal Society’s Year of Science and Industry, we will also be taking advantage of FAPESP Week to discuss issues surrounding collaboration between academia and industry and what these mean for science in both our countries." Details of FAPESP week can be found at http://www.fapesp.br/week2013/london/