Fapesp

FAPESP and the Sustainable Development Goals

News

Research funded by FAPESP aligned with the SDGs

News

Research funded by FAPESP aligned with the SDGs

FAPESP-supported research center embarks on program of digital inclusion in ten Brazilian municipalities
SDG 9
FAPESP-supported research center embarks on program of digital inclusion in ten Brazilian municipalities

Hosted by the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), the new center will establish Agricultural Technology Districts in which to conduct research, development and innovation activities in emerging technologies. The initiative has the potential to reach 14,000 small and medium rural properties.


New RIDC will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration in agriculture
SDG 2, SDG 13
New RIDC will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration in agriculture

The Center for Carbon Research in Tropical Agriculture (CCARBON) is a Research, Innovation and Dissemination Center (RIDC) supported by FAPESP and hosted by the University of São Paulo’s Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ-USP). It was officially launched on November 17 and aims to make food, fiber and energy productivity part of the solution to the climate crisis.


New study proves that severe COVID-19 is a thrombotic disease
SDG 3
New study proves that severe COVID-19 is a thrombotic disease

In an article published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, researchers at the University of São Paulo show that damage to small blood vessels in the lungs caused by SARS-CoV-2 is the main factor underlying severe COVID-19.


Research group plans to map potential for hydrogen production in sugar and ethanol industry
SDG 7
Research group plans to map potential for hydrogen production in sugar and ethanol industry

The goal is to produce sustainable aviation fuel from sugarcane biomass and ethanol.


Analysis of carbon cycle during last glacial period can help monitor climate crisis
SDG 13
Analysis of carbon cycle during last glacial period can help monitor climate crisis

A study conducted in Brazil analyzed marine sediments to investigate gas exchanges between the ocean and the atmosphere in the recent past. The researchers concluded that a rise in the temperature of the South Atlantic caused a release of CO2 trapped at the bottom of the Southern Ocean.


Researchers profile pollutants present in an important river basin in São Paulo state, Brazil
SDG 6, SDG 14
Researchers profile pollutants present in an important river basin in São Paulo state, Brazil

Scientists at the State University of Campinas analyzed samples taken at 15 points in the basin comprising the Piracicaba, Capivari and Jundiaí Rivers, and detected 45 contaminants, including compounds from agricultural, industrial and household effluents not yet regulated by Brazilian legislation.


FAPESP participates in international summit on poles and glaciers in France
SDG 13, SDG 17
FAPESP participates in international summit on poles and glaciers in France

The One Planet Polar Summit was attended by people from over 40 countries, including researchers, experts, members of business enterprises and nonprofits, and representatives of Indigenous Peoples.


FAPESP strengthens research collaboration with Italy
SDG 17
FAPESP strengthens research collaboration with Italy

Senior executives of the foundation visited leading Italian universities and scientific institutions with the aim of increasing collaboration.


Cognitive training can improve the quality of everyday life
SDG 3, SDG 9
Cognitive training can improve the quality of everyday life

Technology developed by a startup supported by FAPESP has been used to improve the performance of athletes like soccer goalkeeper Ederson, who plays for Manchester City and Brazil’s national side, and to reduce the number of accidents caused by human error in the petrochemical and meatpacking industries.


Review article shows key role of Brazil in research on sugarcane for bioenergy
SDG 7, SDG 13
Review article shows key role of Brazil in research on sugarcane for bioenergy

The study by researchers at the University of São Paulo also shows that genetic engineering techniques need to be improved in order to increase ethanol production without expanding crop acreage, a strategy considered crucial to the effort to cope with climate change.


FAPESP and the University of São Paulo are participating in the Ocean Pavilion at COP28 in Dubai
SDG 13, SDG 14
FAPESP and the University of São Paulo are participating in the Ocean Pavilion at COP28 in Dubai

A group of organizations led by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and the University of California San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography have established an online platform to raise the visibility of the ocean and highlight its importance to climate negotiations and life on the planet.


‘Science must go into corner stores, bars and homes,’ urges Brazilian astronomer who works with NASA
SDG 10
‘Science must go into corner stores, bars and homes,’ urges Brazilian astronomer who works with NASA

On a visit to São Paulo to participate in the FAPESP 2023 Interdisciplinary School in Exact and Natural Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, astrophysicist Duília de Mello argued that science popularization can combat epistemic bubbles.


A Brazilian vaccine may be the ideal choice for annual vaccination campaigns against COVID-19
SDG 3
A Brazilian vaccine may be the ideal choice for annual vaccination campaigns against COVID-19

Called SpiNTec, the vaccine can induce a more lasting immune response and should be more effective than vaccines currently available in Brazil against variants of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, according to the leader of the local vaccine development project, who took part in the FAPESP 2023 School in Exact and Natural Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.


Quick test analyzes DNA to improve crops
SDG 9
Quick test analyzes DNA to improve crops

A technological solution developed by a Brazilian startup with FAPESP’s support detects microorganisms that cause disease in eucalyptus, soybeans and other agricultural plants. They can be detected in grains, leaves and the air.


Researchers obtain promising results against capacity loss in vanadium batteries
SDG 9
Researchers obtain promising results against capacity loss in vanadium batteries

A computational study conducted by the Center for Development of Functional Materials at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) in Brazil could help extend the working lives of these batteries, which are widely used by utilities and manufacturers.


Biomaterial developed at São Paulo State University proves capable of accelerating bone regeneration
SDG 3
Biomaterial developed at São Paulo State University proves capable of accelerating bone regeneration

In vitro experiments showed cobalt-doped calcium phosphate to be capable of stimulating bone cell differentiation by mimicking a low-oxygen environment. Next steps include animal testing.


The crucial role of biofuels in the energy transition is explained in an encyclopedic new book
SDG 2, SDG 7, SDG 12, SDG 13
The crucial role of biofuels in the energy transition is explained in an encyclopedic new book

Written by two experts on biofuels, Luís Augusto Barbosa Cortez and Frank Rosillo-Calle, the book explores Brazil’s experience and how other countries can learn from it in the context of climate change.


Global funders of health-related research discuss epidemic and pandemic preparedness guidelines
SDG 3
Global funders of health-related research discuss epidemic and pandemic preparedness guidelines

The Ninth General Assembly of the Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness, representing funding agencies, research institutions and government bodies from around the world, was held at FAPESP in São Paulo, Brazil, on October 24-25.


Platform identifies soil microorganisms that cause disease
SDG 9
Platform identifies soil microorganisms that cause disease

Technology developed by the startup ByMyCell with the support of FAPESP helps farmers make decisions that boost yields and reduce the use of agrochemicals.


Novel method facilitates study of oxidized lipids involved in neurodegenerative diseases
SDG 3
Novel method facilitates study of oxidized lipids involved in neurodegenerative diseases

Scientists at the University of São Paulo’s Center for Research on Redox Processes in Biomedicine used a novel technique they themselves developed to identify altered molecules in an animal model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).


In Northeast Brazil, rabies virus variants from marmosets are found in bats
SDG 3
In Northeast Brazil, rabies virus variants from marmosets are found in bats

The emergence of rabies in distinct wildlife species is a potential source of human infection and poses life-threatening risks. As the researchers responsible for the discovery warn, anyone who comes into contact with these animals should alert the authorities. A 36-year-old farm worker died in May, only weeks after being bitten by a marmoset.


Molecule tested at University of São Paulo proves able to mitigate heart failure
SDG 3
Molecule tested at University of São Paulo proves able to mitigate heart failure

Results of trials involving animals, cell cultures and human heart tissue are reported in the European Heart Journal. The study was conducted by researchers at USP in partnership with a biopharmaceutical firm, offering hope to 2 million Brazilians who suffer from the disease.


Study reveals bacterial protein capable of keeping human cells healthy
SDG 3
Study reveals bacterial protein capable of keeping human cells healthy

An article published in PNAS by Brazilian and Australian researchers describes a hitherto unknown protein with anti-oxidizing properties secreted by Coxiella burnetii, a Gram-negative intracellular bacterium, pointing to possible treatments for auto-immune diseases and even cancer.


El Niño, climate change and deforestation: scientists explain what may lie behind the drought in the Amazon
SDG 13
El Niño, climate change and deforestation: scientists explain what may lie behind the drought in the Amazon

Brazil’s North region is experiencing the worst drought of the century, with severe social and economic impacts. The problem was discussed at an event hosted by FAPESP on October 17.


New center will use data and artificial intelligence to support public safety policymaking
SDG 16
New center will use data and artificial intelligence to support public safety policymaking

FGV Analytics is a partnership involving FAPESP, Getúlio Vargas Foundation, the University of São Paulo and the São Paulo State Department of Public Safety. Its mission includes fostering development of evaluation tools and evidence-based public policy.


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