GFI Brazil opens call for Targeted Studies on alternative proteins

Learn about the two financing lines and submit your proposal by June 16, 2024

GFI Brazil is launching the call for 2024 Targeted Studies, which are technical publications produced through GFI Brazil’s collaboration with a university, company or research institute. These publications are designed to analyze and discuss the science of alternative proteins with a focus on accelerating technological development, supporting evidence-based regulation and improving the texture, flavor, price or sustainability of products. To execute Targeted Studies, proponents must submit a technical-financial proposal to prepare the deliverables requested in the corresponding call.

This year’s two funding lines are unique opportunities for institutions and professionals interested in contributing to the future of food production in Brazil. See below the details of each call:

Study of the Quality of Foods Produced by Cell Culture

The study aims to generate scientific data and provide insights that can support the regulation and approval of cultivated products, as well as contribute to ensuring the safe production and development of these foods. This data will be fundamental in informing future actions that will impact various sectors, including legislators, regulators, companies, professors, and researchers.

To this end, project implementation proposals should focus on two main objectives: 

• Investigate and quantify the concentrations of certain growth factors in conventional meat samples;
• Develop a guide of technical recommendations for the use of cells in cultured food research.

The study will have a one-year execution period, and proposals can be submitted until June 16, 2024.

For more details and guidance on submitting proposals, please consult the full call for proposals here.

Study to Identify Technological Routes for Obtaining Bean Proteins with Improved Sensory and Nutritional Aspects

One of the pillars of Brazilian biodiversity, beans are already recognized for their nutritional and economic value; therefore, we now want to take them to new levels, improving their characteristics to better serve the plant-based food market . The main objective of this call for proposals is:

• Develop a roadmap technological that directs the creation of bean protein concentrates and isolates with improved sensory and nutritional qualities, overcoming the challenges of off-flavors and antinutrients. 

The project will be divided into five stages and will have an execution period of up to 18 months. Proposals can be submitted until June 16, 2024.

For more information on submission requirements and study details, please see the full call for papers here.

Proposals for both projects can be submitted until June 16, 2024 , and the results will be announced on June 24. Technical and financial proposals must be submitted in PDF format to ciencia@gfi.org and must include a detailed schedule, cost estimates for each stage, the proposed methodology, and the curriculum vitae of the team involved. Complete information is available in the links to the respective calls for proposals above.