GoKawiilPrivate philanthropy fills funding gaps for Brazilian science research
Brazilian philanthropic organizations, led by the Serrapilheira Institute, have begun funding scientific research at a scale unprecedented in the country's history, distributing over $25 million to early-career researchers since its founding. The University of São Paulo has also launched a center dedicated to studying and promoting science philanthropy, reflecting a broader shift as private donors step into a space traditionally dominated by government funding.
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This shift comes as Brazilian science faces political uncertainty, following steep funding cuts under former president Jair Bolsonaro and a tight upcoming election where his son could return conservative influence to government science policy. Private philanthropy could serve as a buffer against future funding volatility, offering researchers more stability regardless of which party controls government science budgets.
- Serrapilheira Institute has distributed over $25 million to early-career Brazilian researchers since its founding.
- University of São Paulo launched a research center in 2023 to study and encourage science philanthropy.
- The trend responds to political instability in science funding, including cuts made during Jair Bolsonaro's presidency.
Source: nature.com — Lenharo, 2026-09-14
Published there as: “Donor-funded science is rising in Brazil ― upending a long tradition”
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