USask College of Dentistry secures $2-million international research partnership
SASKATOON, SK. — The College of Dentistry at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has signed a $2-million research agreement with the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), establishing a five-year international collaboration dedicated exclusively to oral, dental, and craniofacial research.
The partnership will support 10 joint research grants annually over the next five years, for a total of 50 funded projects. The first call for proposals is now open.
“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 (PhD), Vice-President Research at USask.
FAPESP is a public foundation funded by the State of São Paulo, Brazil, with a mandate to support research projects across all fields of knowledge in higher education and research institutions.
“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 (DDS, PhD), dean of the College of Dentistry.
The agreement is new for FAPESP, as it typically funds projects at the level of a province, state or university, instead of a focused partnership dedicated to a specific research area and college. 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.
Under the terms of the agreement, each funded project must include one principal investigator from the College of Dentistry at USask and at least one collaborator or co-principal investigator from another USask college or school, reinforcing interdisciplinary collaboration across the university. Each project will also include a principal investigator from a university or research institute in the State of São Paulo.
“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,” Dr. Siqueira said.
Additional details about eligibility and application requirements can be found at fapesp.br/18052. The deadline for submission of proposals is May 19, 2026.
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For media inquiries, contact:
Duane Krip
Communications Officer
College of Dentistry
University of Saskatchewan