The Science Centers for Development (CCD-SP) have been set up by FAPESP aiming to support research for problem-solving of socioeconomically relevant themes applied to the state of São Paulo, in collaboration with Research Institutes and Universities or Higher Education institutions and, whenever possible, involving companies and/or non-governmental organizations, in partnership with government sectors, with the participation of research teams linked to those institutions. FAPESP support aims at internationally competitive research projects lasting up to 5 years.