Futuristic cityscape of São Paulo symbolizing the city's science amidst economic challenges

São Paulo's Science Fortress: How Long Can It Withstand Brazil's Economic Storm?

Kai Mendoza in Science & Nature August 2025 • 4 min read.

"The scientific powerhouse of South America grapples with funding cuts and economic instability. Can its local policies and resilient institutions keep it afloat?"

For botanist Adriana Grandis, the Amazon rainforest held the key to her research on tropical trees and atmospheric carbon dioxide. But even obtaining basic lab equipment proved to be a monumental challenge.

After pursuing graduate studies in plant physiology at the University of São Paulo (USP), Grandis embarked on a post-doctoral fellowship at the National Institute of Amazonian Research in Manaus, deep within the rainforest.

The stark reality was that acquiring even the simplest glassware for her project took an agonizing two months. Hampered by bureaucracy and logistical nightmares, she was reminded of the vast disparities in research infrastructure within Brazil. São Paulo, it turned out, was the origin point for the equipment, a staggering 2,700 kilometers away.

São Paulo: A Haven for Research Amidst Crisis

Futuristic cityscape of São Paulo symbolizing the city's science amidst economic challenges

São Paulo has emerged as a sanctuary for scientists amid Brazil's economic turmoil. The Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation and Communications has faced budget cuts since 2014, but São Paulo's research community has remained relatively shielded, thanks to strong state policies and a network of research-focused institutions.

Grandis's experience underscores this reality. When her research scholarship in the Amazon was abruptly canceled due to lack of funds, she returned to São Paulo, where resources and infrastructure were readily available. "In São Paulo there is money, and infrastructure," Grandis states. "Everything just works better here."

Top Science City: Ranked as the top science city in South America by the Nature Index.
Research Powerhouse: Hosts major universities like USP and São Paulo State University (UNESP).
Diverse Institutions: Home to over 30 research-focused institutions and numerous universities and colleges.
Key Institutes: Includes the Butantan Institute and the National Center for Research in Energy and Materials.

São Paulo's resilience is evident in its Nature Index ranking. With a cumulative fractional count of 473.35 since 2012, it leads South America in high-quality research output. The city's strengths lie particularly in the physical sciences.

The Uncertain Future: Can São Paulo Hold On?

Despite its current stability, scientists warn that São Paulo's research ecosystem faces an uncertain future. As federal funding dwindles, competition for state scholarships and grants intensifies. The state's economic challenges further strain resources, impacting the availability of funds for research initiatives. Sergio Novaes, a theoretical physicist at UNESP, emphasizes the need to maintain FAPESP's stability: "It is something we built and work hard to maintain."

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1038/d41586-018-07211-5, Alternate LINK

Title: Standing FIrm

Subject: Multidisciplinary

Journal: Nature

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Herton Escobar

Published: 2018-10-31

Everything You Need To Know

Why is São Paulo considered a scientific haven in Brazil despite the country's economic challenges?

São Paulo is considered a haven for scientists because, despite Brazil's economic turmoil and federal budget cuts affecting the Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation and Communications, the region has maintained a relatively strong research community. This is due to robust state policies and a well-established network of research-focused institutions, including major universities like the University of São Paulo (USP) and São Paulo State University (UNESP). The São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) plays a critical role in funding research initiatives, helping to mitigate the impact of federal funding reductions, enabling scientists like Adriana Grandis to find resources and infrastructure more readily available compared to other regions like the Amazon.

What role does the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) play in maintaining the region's scientific output?

The São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) plays a vital role in maintaining São Paulo's scientific output by providing crucial funding for research initiatives. As federal funding dwindles, FAPESP's stability becomes even more critical. It supports numerous research projects across various disciplines, ensuring that scientists have access to the resources they need to conduct high-quality research. This support helps the region maintain its status as the top science city in South America, as measured by the Nature Index. Theoretical physicist Sergio Novaes emphasizes that the continued stability of FAPESP is essential to maintain the scientific progress that has been built.

How did Adriana Grandis's experience in the Amazon rainforest highlight the disparities in research infrastructure within Brazil, and how did São Paulo offer a solution?

Adriana Grandis's research experience in the Amazon rainforest highlighted significant disparities in research infrastructure within Brazil, where obtaining even basic lab equipment, like glassware, took agonizingly long periods due to bureaucracy and logistical challenges. Her scholarship was abruptly canceled due to lack of funds. São Paulo provided a solution when she returned and found resources and infrastructure readily available. This stark contrast underscored that São Paulo has better infrastructure and funding opportunities, positioning it as a sanctuary for scientists facing resource constraints in other parts of the country.

What are the potential threats to São Paulo's continued dominance in scientific research, and what measures are being emphasized to safeguard its position?

Despite its current stability, São Paulo's research ecosystem faces several potential threats. Dwindling federal funding increases competition for state scholarships and grants. Economic challenges within the state further strain resources, potentially impacting the availability of funds for research initiatives. To safeguard its position, emphasis is placed on maintaining the stability of institutions like FAPESP. Continued investment in research infrastructure and support for institutions like the University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo State University (UNESP), the Butantan Institute, and the National Center for Research in Energy and Materials are crucial. Sergio Novaes emphasizes the necessity of working hard to maintain what has been built.

According to the Nature Index, in which specific scientific areas does São Paulo demonstrate particular strength?

According to the Nature Index, São Paulo demonstrates particular strength in the physical sciences. The region has achieved a cumulative fractional count of 473.35 since 2012, positioning it as the leader in South America for high-quality research output. While the region hosts diverse research institutions, its prominence in the physical sciences underscores the importance of continued investment and support in those specific fields to maintain its competitive edge.