Content reference and image source: Agência FAPESP
Gregor van Essen, Managing Director of The Water Agency, recently attended FAPESP Week Netherlands 2026 in Leiden, joining researchers, institutional leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators from Brazil and the Netherlands to explore opportunities for collaboration in science, technology, sustainability, and innovation. The annual event aims to strengthen long-term partnerships between institutions and organisations across both countries.
A Partnership Built on Shared Challenges
A key message throughout the event was the growing strength of the relationship between Brazil and the Netherlands, particularly in areas where international cooperation is essential to addressing complex global challenges. Speakers highlighted the increasing level of collaboration between researchers and institutions from both countries, as well as a shared commitment to developing solutions that generate meaningful social and environmental impact. Over the past five years alone, researchers from São Paulo and the Netherlands have published more than 1,000 collaborative scientific papers annually, demonstrating the depth of this partnership.
Discussions also emphasised that today’s challenges, from climate resilience and sustainability to technological innovation, cannot be tackled in isolation. Building effective solutions requires stronger connections between countries, institutions, disciplines, and sectors.
Key Reflections for The Water Agency
For The Water Agency, the event reinforced the importance of international partnerships in driving innovation and creating impact. Many of the themes discussed during FAPESP Week Netherlands 2026, including collaboration, knowledge exchange, and translating research into real-world impact, closely align with our own approach to tackling complex water and climate challenges. As collaboration between Brazil and the Netherlands continues to evolve, we look forward to contributing to partnerships that connect knowledge, innovation, and implementation in support of more resilient and sustainable communities.
