USask Dentistry and São Paulo Research Foundation launch $2M research partnership

The College of Dentistry at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has announced a landmark $2 million research agreement with the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), establishing a bold new chapter in international collaboration focused exclusively on oral, dental, and craniofacial research.

The five-year agreement will strategically support internationalization and collaborative discovery through the funding of ten joint research grants annually, beginning with the first call for proposals, which is now open. In total, fifty projects will be supported over the life of the partnership.

"This unique partnership is a strong example of USask creating new avenues for international collaborations. We are excited to start this partnership with FAPESP to work with world-class researchers in São Paulo and collectively create real-world innovations in the areas of oral, dental, and craniofacial research." Said Dr. Baljit Singh, Vice President Research, USask.

A first-of-Its-kind agreement

This agreement represents a significant milestone, not only for USask, but for Canadian research more broadly. It is the first time FAPESP has created a focused partnership dedicated to a specific research area centered within a single college, rather than at the level of a province, state, or entire university.

It is also believed to be the largest agreement between FAPESP and a Canadian university, and the only one devoted exclusively to oral, dental, and craniofacial health research.

FAPESP is a public foundation funded by the State of São Paulo, Brazil, with a mandate to support research across all fields of knowledge in higher education and research institutions. FAPESP is internationally respected for its rigorous peer-review processes and its support of large-scale research programs in areas such as biodiversity, bioenergy, global climate change, and e-science.

Advancing global leadership in oral health

For the College of Dentistry, this agreement signals global recognition of its research strength and vision. “This partnership reflects our commitment to advancing oral health through global collaboration, positioning the College of Dentistry and USask as leaders in international research focused on oral, dental, and craniofacial innovation,” said Dr. Walter Siqueira, Dean of the College of Dentistry.

The agreement will connect USask researchers with leading investigators across the State of São Paulo, one of Latin America’s most dynamic research ecosystems.

“By strengthening collaboration with leading researchers across the State of São Paulo, this agreement expands internationalization opportunities for our faculty and trainees while building sustainable global partnerships that advance discovery and innovation,” Siqueira added.

Strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration at USask

The partnership is designed not only to enhance international collaboration, but also to foster interdisciplinary research across the USask campus.

For the first call, each proposal must include:

• One Principal Investigator from the College of Dentistry, USask.
• At least one collaborator or co-Principal Investigator from another USask college or school.
• One Principal Investigator from a university or research institute in the State of São Paulo.

This structure reinforces cross-campus collaboration while creating strong, bilateral research teams between Saskatchewan and São Paulo.

Additional details about eligibility and application requirements can be found at fapesp.br/18052. The deadline for submission of proposals is May 19, 2026.

A Strategic Investment in the future of oral health research

By committing to 10 grants per year for five years, the agreement establishes a sustained, strategic investment in oral, dental, and craniofacial discovery. The initiative will support innovative research, enhance trainee mobility, and deepen global scientific networks.

The agreement stands as a clear signal: the College of Dentistry is not only participating in global research conversations, it is helping lead them.