Serrapilheira Institute is the first private nonprofit institution created to promote science and increase its visibility and impact in Brazil.
Their first call was directed to identify and support the best young researchers in Brazil. According to its President, Dr. Hugo Aguilaniu, they looked for those who are posing the big questions in their fields.
There were almost 2000 submitted projects, from which they selected 65. These will receive R$ 100,000.00 (near US$ 31,000.00) for one year. The Institute will select 10 to 12 out of the 65 to receive R$ 1 million (near US$ 310,000.00) for additional three years.
Daniel Martins-de-Souza, member of the HBPP steering committee, is one of the 65 awardees. His project uses neuroproteomics to understand the molecular basis of schizophrenia and to identify protein biomarkers in patients' blood which could predict antipsychotic response.
