Imperial and University of São Paulo researchers came together for a collaborative workshop exploring the themes of energy transition and bioeconomy.
Researchers from Imperial College London and the University of São Paulo (USP) gathered in São Paulo, Brazil, from 23–25 April 2025 for a collaborative workshop focused on energy transition and the bioeconomy, two areas of growing global importance.
The event followed the renewal of a partnership agreement between the two institutions, signed in May 2024 at the Brazilian Embassy in the UK, which reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration in research and education.
Hosted at USP's cutting-edge Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Innovation (RCGI), the workshop brought together leading academics, emerging researchers, and policy experts from across disciplines to lay the groundwork for ambitious joint projects. The group included 10 researchers from Imperial, 27 from USP, and five participants from Fundação Getulio Vargas's São Paulo School of Business Administration (FGV EAESP), whose presence brought valuable social science and policy perspectives.
With climate targets looming and the demand for sustainable solutions growing ever more urgent, the event marked a pivotal moment in UK–Brazil scientific cooperation, particularly timely as Brazil prepares to host COP30 in 2025.
Prof. Julio R. Meneghini, Scientific Director, RCGI – USP said "This workshop was a landmark for both USP and Imperial, reinforcing our shared commitment to scientific excellence and societal impact. It also represented a strategic moment in the relationship between Brazil and the UK, strengthening bilateral ties through collaborative research in energy transition and the bioeconomy. The event laid a strong foundation for transformative projects that will address global challenges with innovative, interdisciplinary solutions."
Over two intensive days of presentations, interactive sessions, and group work, guided by two professional facilitators from Imperial's Early Career Researcher Institute, participants co-developed early-stage project ideas aimed at securing seed funding through a newly launched joint funding opportunity from Imperial and USP. The ultimate goal is to encourage researchers to pursue large-scale, strategic grants from major funders.
The workshop culminated in dynamic pitch presentations, where participants showcased interdisciplinary research proposals with the potential to shape the future of clean energy, sustainable development, and global innovation. Eight newly formed collaborative groups presented their early-stage ideas to a mock funding panel that included representatives from the Science and Technology Network in Brazil and the British Council.
The proposed projects ranged from evaluating forest conservation policies and enhancing indigenous participation in forest governance, to using biosensing technologies to combat fungal diseases in crops, and leveraging critical mineral resources to improve health outcomes in mining communities.
The researcher perspective
Imperial participant Dr. José M. R. Flauzino, Researcher Associate, Department of Bioengineering, shares his experiences of taking part in this collaborative workshop and his advice for other researchers looking to start or expand their international collaborations.
What motivated you to apply for this workshop?
As a Brazilian researcher based in London, I was motivated by the opportunity to reconnect with the research community in Brazil and explore meaningful collaborations that bridge both countries. The themes of the workshop, energy transition and the bioeconomy, are deeply aligned with my work on sustainable technologies for agriculture and diagnostics.
How did the interdisciplinary format influence your thinking or approach to research?
It was refreshing to be in a space where engineers, biologists, economists, and policy experts came together to co-create ideas. This kind of interdisciplinary exchange pushed me to think beyond technical innovation, and consider systems-level impact, scalability, and policy integration from the start.
Was there a moment or conversation that sparked a new idea or unexpected connection?
There wasn't a single "aha" moment because I had actually done some background research on the participants beforehand and already had a few ideas in mind. What really stood out was how naturally the collaboration came together. When I spoke with the Brazilian colleagues, they were already thinking along similar lines, which made it easy to align our interests and co-develop the seed proposal from the outset. It was a great example of preparation meeting the right environment.
Why do you think international collaboration is important for tackling challenges in energy transition and the bioeconomy?
Because these are global problems that demand global solutions. Collaborations like this allow us to combine local insights with cutting-edge science, ensuring that innovations are both relevant and impactful. It also fosters equity and reciprocity in research, which is essential when addressing complex, interdependent challenges like food security or climate change.
Is there something you learnt from the workshop that you will integrate into your approach to collaborations in the future?
Yes, the importance of co-designing ideas in person. The face-to-face time we had to develop ideas collaboratively was invaluable, and something I'll prioritise more in future projects. It also reminded me of the power of shared fieldwork and local context in shaping strong, grounded research partnerships.
Would you recommend this format to a colleague, and what would you say to them?
Absolutely. I'd say: go with an open mind, be ready to collaborate across disciplines, and take the opportunity to build relationships beyond your immediate field. This format encourages big-picture thinking, mutual respect, and real momentum toward long-term impact.
