Six institutional grants of up to US$2,000 each are available to African researchers whose natural-science work has been interrupted by conflict or a natural or biological hazard. The pilot call under UNESCO’s Science for Crisis Response and Solutions programme is designed to help researchers resume or complete a defined part of disrupted work.
Overview
The Research Continuity Grants for Africa support researchers based at recognised African universities and research institutes whose work was interrupted within the previous three years or remains materially affected by a crisis.
Funded activities must be directly linked to the interrupted research, achievable within six months, and fit within the US$2,000 grant ceiling. The call is open across Africa where the stated crisis conditions are met.
Benefits
- Grant Amount: Six institutional grants of up to US$2,000 each are available.
- Research Supplies: Funding can cover consumables and small research supplies.
- Fieldwork: Local fieldwork and research travel can be supported.
- Data and Facilities: Eligible costs include data collection, processing, secure storage, minor equipment repair, and short-term access to equipment or facilities.
- Publication Costs: Laboratory, publication, and open-access costs may be included.
Eligibility
- Nationality and Location: Applicants must be African nationals based at a recognised university or research institute in an African country.
- Qualification: Applicants need at least a master’s degree or an equivalent recognised research qualification in a relevant field.
- Field: The research must be in the natural sciences or be interdisciplinary with a substantial natural-science component.
- Crisis Impact: The research must have been interrupted by armed conflict or a natural or biological hazard within the previous three years, or still be materially affected by its consequences.
- Project Scope: Proposed activities must be completed within six months and within the US$2,000 ceiling.
- Institutional Support: A signed support letter from an authorised representative of the host institution is required.
- No Double Funding: The same costs cannot already be financed from another source.
How to Apply
- Deadline: Applications close on November 15, 2026 at 23:59 Paris time.
- Read the Documents: Review the call for applications, terms of reference, and concept note.
- Prepare the File: Complete the application form in English or French and attach a CV, proof of qualification, institutional support letter, and any required research or ethics approvals.
- Submit: Use the official online application form linked from the UNESCO-led Science Decade call page.
