Fapesp

FAPESP and the Sustainable Development Goals

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Research funded by FAPESP aligned with the SDGs

News

Research funded by FAPESP aligned with the SDGs

‘Climate adaptation needs to touch people’s lives’
SDG 11, SDG 13
‘Climate adaptation needs to touch people’s lives’

At the 7th FAPESP 2025 Conference, Denise Duarte, researcher at the University of São Paulo’s Faculty of Architecture, Urbanism, and Design, spoke about the need to map the impacts of extreme events on an individual scale and create urban thermal refuge areas in public spaces.


Investment in S&T by low- and middle-income countries has changed the geography of science over the past 30 years
SDG 10
Investment in S&T by low- and middle-income countries has changed the geography of science over the past 30 years

An analysis was conducted by Carlos Henrique de Brito Cruz, former scientific director of FAPESP, using the Elsevier Scopus database, which covers 100 million publications and over 7,000 scientific publishers worldwide.


FAPESP supports projects that address multiple ways of tackling climate change
SDG 13
FAPESP supports projects that address multiple ways of tackling climate change

Workshop held at the State University of Campinas as part of the Research Program on Global Climate Change outlines the challenges to be faced and the scientific efforts to predict and mitigate the problems caused by global warming.


Physical exercise can ‘train’ the immune system
SDG 3
Physical exercise can ‘train’ the immune system

In an article published in the journal Scientific Reports, an international team of researchers describes how the defense cells of older adults with a history of endurance training are more effective against inflammation.


Biotechnology is leading the deep tech scene in Brazil, but faces challenges related to infrastructure and private investment
SDG 9
Biotechnology is leading the deep tech scene in Brazil, but faces challenges related to infrastructure and private investment

According to a report by the consulting firm Emerge, almost half of the 952 science-based startups mapped in the country develop solutions in this area, especially for the health and agribusiness sectors.


Portable sensor detects synthetic cannabinoids in e-cigarettes and biological fluids
SDG 3
Portable sensor detects synthetic cannabinoids in e-cigarettes and biological fluids

Researchers develop technology that identifies highly potent and dangerous psychoactive substances. The device can be used in emergency medical facilities and to help inform users and reduce the harm associated with consumption.


FAPESP-supported center upgrades PET/CT equipment to include AI and guided biopsy capabilities
SDG 3, SDG 9
FAPESP-supported center upgrades PET/CT equipment to include AI and guided biopsy capabilities

The new functionalities allow the Cancer Theranostics Innovation Center to generate dynamic, more detailed images and provide more accurate diagnoses. The device is available to the scientific community in the state of São Paulo.


Ecstasy has the potential to become an emerging pollutant in the Bay of Santos, Brazil
SDG 6, SDG 14
Ecstasy has the potential to become an emerging pollutant in the Bay of Santos, Brazil

Researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo found that the toxicological effects of the drug on marine animals may be greater than those of cocaine. Preliminary results of the study were presented during the São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Emerging Pollutants.


For young scientists, an integrated approach is essential to mitigate the effects of climate change
SDG 13, SDG 17
For young scientists, an integrated approach is essential to mitigate the effects of climate change

Meeting at the State University of Campinas with a new generation of researchers points to collaboration between sectors to mitigate the consequences of global warming with climate justice.


Getulio Vargas Foundation inaugurates reference center for environmental governance and sustainability
SDG 13
Getulio Vargas Foundation inaugurates reference center for environmental governance and sustainability

FAPESP’s new Research, Innovation, and Dissemination Center is launched two months before COP30 and is expected to become an international reference for innovative solutions to environmental challenges.


Brazil has the highest number of deep tech companies in Latin America, but ranks third in private investment
SDG 9
Brazil has the highest number of deep tech companies in Latin America, but ranks third in private investment

These findings are from the Deep Tech Radar Latam 2025 report, prepared by the consulting firm Emerge in partnership with Cubo Itaú.


Study assesses livestock vulnerability to climate change
SDG 2, SDG 13
Study assesses livestock vulnerability to climate change

Research led by scientists at the University of São Paulo contributes to the formulation of strategies to prevent the collapse of animal protein production.


People with Down syndrome have early neuroinflammation
SDG 3
People with Down syndrome have early neuroinflammation

Researchers at the University of São Paulo identify a new factor that explains the high prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in older people with Down syndrome. The discovery paves the way for disease prevention strategies in this population.


Combination of quantum and classical computing supports early diagnosis of breast cancer
SDG 3, SDG 9
Combination of quantum and classical computing supports early diagnosis of breast cancer

Simple quantum-classical neural networks achieve good results in classifying lesions with fewer computational parameters. Scientists from São Paulo State University demonstrated a hybrid model at an international symposium.


Solution could reduce contamination losses in ethanol production
SDG 7, SDG 9
Solution could reduce contamination losses in ethanol production

Technology created at the Research Center for Greenhouse Gas Innovation helps identify contaminating microorganisms, enabling plants to combat them more quickly and effectively.


COP30 may move from formal negotiations to effective action
SDG 13
COP30 may move from formal negotiations to effective action

Brazil has the chance to consolidate its position as a key player in global climate negotiations, says Thelma Krug, coordinator of the Scientific Council for the event scheduled for November in Belém.


Brazilian researchers warn that healthcare for transgender people is under threat
SDG 3, SDG 10
Brazilian researchers warn that healthcare for transgender people is under threat

Article published in Nature Medicine points to the risk of setbacks in research focused on this population. Experts question new rules in Brazil and other countries.


Geomagnetic disturbances caused by the Sun influence the occurrence of heart attacks, especially among women
SDG 3
Geomagnetic disturbances caused by the Sun influence the occurrence of heart attacks, especially among women

To reach this conclusion, Brazilian researchers cross-referenced data obtained from the local public health network with data from an indicator of variations in the Earth’s geomagnetic field. The study was published in the journal Communications Medicine.


Group creates tool to predict whether multiple sclerosis medication will be effective for patients
SDG 3
Group creates tool to predict whether multiple sclerosis medication will be effective for patients

Brazilian researchers, in partnership with French institutions, combine advanced cell image analysis technology and machine learning and discover a morphological marker linked to individuals who do not respond to natalizumab.


Super-resistant bacteria found in wild birds at a rehabilitation center on the coast of São Paulo state, Brazil
SDG 3
Super-resistant bacteria found in wild birds at a rehabilitation center on the coast of São Paulo state, Brazil

A vulture recently arrived at the Santos Municipal Orchid Garden and an owl living in captivity for ten years were colonized by antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli.


Artificial nests improve animal welfare and increase productivity in the pork industry
SDG 9, SDG 12
Artificial nests improve animal welfare and increase productivity in the pork industry

São Paulo startup develops biodegradable material that resembles branches, leaves, and grass used by pregnant sows in nature to prepare their birthing environment.


Study identifies candidates for therapeutic targets in pediatric germ cell tumors
SDG 3
Study identifies candidates for therapeutic targets in pediatric germ cell tumors

Pioneering research conducted in São Paulo state (Brazil) shows how the immune system reacts to rare types of childhood cancer.


‘Science alone will not save us’: Paulo Jannuzzi highlights the need for republican values
SDG 16
‘Science alone will not save us’: Paulo Jannuzzi highlights the need for republican values

According to the expert affiliated with the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, technology can either reinforce inequalities or expand citizenship, depending on how it is regulated. The speaker at the 6th FAPESP 2025 Conference also pointed out the positive role that artificial intelligence can play.


Plant-derived compound has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects against periodontal disease
SDG 3
Plant-derived compound has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects against periodontal disease

Morin-based powder, extracted from guava leaves, apple peel, and figs, can be slowly released with the help of polymers and serve as an alternative to antibiotics.


Microplastics may affect bone health
SDG 3
Microplastics may affect bone health

Brazilian researchers analyzed over 60 scientific articles on the subject and found that the materials negatively affect bone tissue.


News about research projects funded by FAPESP and articulated with the SDGs: