Saskatoon, SK – A new $2 million international research partnership between the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Dentistry and the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) promises to accelerate advancements in oral, dental, and craniofacial science. The five-year agreement, announced earlier this month, will fund 50 collaborative research projects, supporting ten joint research grants annually beginning with an open call for proposals. This initiative marks a significant step in bolstering global collaboration within the field of dental research.
The partnership represents a unique opportunity for researchers at USask and their counterparts in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, to tackle complex oral health challenges through shared expertise and resources. According to Dr. Baljit Singh, USask’s Vice President of Research, the agreement is “a strong example of USask creating new avenues for international collaborations,” and a chance to “collectively create real-world innovations” in the field. The focus on oral, dental, and craniofacial research is particularly noteworthy, as it represents a targeted approach to international scientific cooperation.
FAPESP, a public foundation funded by the State of São Paulo, Brazil, plays a crucial role in supporting research across all fields of knowledge in higher education and research institutions. This partnership is the first time FAPESP has dedicated a focused agreement to a specific research area within a single college, rather than at the provincial, state, or university-wide level, according to USask officials. It’s also believed to be the largest agreement between FAPESP and a Canadian university, and the only one exclusively devoted to oral, dental, and craniofacial health research. More details on the partnership’s structure and goals are available on the USask Dentistry website.
Each funded project will require participation from at least one principal investigator from the USask College of Dentistry, alongside a collaborator or co-principal investigator from another college or school within the university, and a principal investigator affiliated with a university or research institute in the Brazilian state of São Paulo. This interdisciplinary approach aims to foster innovation by bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise. Dr. Walter Siqueira, Dean of the USask College of Dentistry, emphasized that the partnership “reflects our commitment to advancing oral health through global collaboration,” and will position USask as a leader in international research focused on oral, dental, and craniofacial innovation. The Oral Health Group also reported on the significance of this collaboration.
Expanding International Research Opportunities
The agreement builds on a growing trend of international collaboration in scientific research. The USask College of Dentistry highlighted the importance of these partnerships in addressing complex global health challenges. The partnership with FAPESP not only expands research opportunities for USask faculty and trainees but also aims to build sustainable global partnerships that will drive discovery and innovation in the long term. The first call for proposals is currently open, with a submission deadline of May 19, 2026. Researchers interested in applying can find more information on the FAPESP website.
This initiative comes at a time when international scientific cooperation is increasingly recognized as essential for addressing global challenges. Brazil and Canada have a history of collaborative research efforts, and this new partnership builds on that foundation. The focus on oral health research is particularly relevant given the increasing prevalence of oral diseases worldwide and the need for innovative prevention and treatment strategies.
The $2 million investment will support a substantial body of work over the next five years, with the potential to yield significant advancements in the understanding and treatment of oral, dental, and craniofacial conditions. The partnership’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and the involvement of researchers from both Canada and Brazil positions it as a promising model for future international research initiatives. CJME News also covered the announcement.
Looking ahead, the success of this partnership will depend on the quality of the research proposals submitted and the effective collaboration between researchers from USask and their Brazilian counterparts. The outcomes of these projects are expected to contribute to improved oral health outcomes both locally and globally. The partnership’s long-term impact will be measured by the number of publications, patents, and clinical applications that result from the funded research.
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