GDPC Spotlight Research Grants 2026:Up to US$10,00 (Deadline: July 31)

Applications for the 2026 GDPC Spotlight Research Grants close on Friday, July 31, 2026 (23:59 UTC). Researchers from eligible low- and middle-income countries have an opportunity to secure up to US$10,000 to conduct applied research that explores how digital technologies—including artificial intelligence (AI)—can be used responsibly to improve humanitarian action.

The grant is offered by the Global Disaster Preparedness Center (GDPC) in collaboration with the French Red Cross Foundation and is targeted at university-affiliated researchers whose work can generate practical solutions for humanitarian organisations and communities. Successful projects will receive funding for research activities running between November 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.

Grant at a Glance

Programme: GDPC Spotlight Research Grants 2026

Funding Amount: Up to US$10,000 per project

Organisers: Global Disaster Preparedness Center (GDPC) and the French Red Cross Foundation

Eligible Applicants: University-affiliated researchers

Eligible Countries: Low- and middle-income countries (based on the OECD classification)

Research Period: November 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027

Project Duration: Up to eight months

Application Deadline: Friday, July 31, 2026 (23:59 UTC)

About the Research Grant

As digital technologies become increasingly important in disaster preparedness and humanitarian response, organisations need reliable research to understand not only what works but also how these technologies can be deployed ethically and responsibly.

The GDPC Spotlight Research Grants support projects that examine the principled use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), including artificial intelligence, in humanitarian settings. Rather than focusing solely on academic theory, the programme encourages research that can inform policy, improve field operations, and produce findings that are useful to local communities and humanitarian practitioners.

Researchers are expected to adopt community-centred approaches that actively involve the people affected by the issues being studied, ensuring that research findings remain practical and accessible beyond academic circles.

Who Can Apply?

The grant is open to researchers who are affiliated with accredited universities at the time of application. Eligible applicants include PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, lecturers, faculty members, and other university-based researchers.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be affiliated with an accredited university.
• Be nationals of eligible low- and middle-income countries, including least-developed and upper-middle-income nations.
• Propose research focused on humanitarian issues within eligible country contexts.
• Demonstrate that the project can be completed within the eight-month implementation period.
• Use community-based or participatory research methods.
• Obtain a letter of support from a local stakeholder or partner organisation.

Researchers from eligible countries who are currently studying or working in high-income countries may still apply, provided their proposed research focuses on eligible countries.

What Can the Grant Be Used For?

Successful applicants may use the funding to cover essential research expenses directly related to the approved project.

Eligible costs include:

• Personnel and research assistants
• Data collection and analysis
• Software and specialised digital tools
• Equipment rental or leasing
• Essential project travel
• Per diem expenses
• Translation services
• Administrative overheads of up to 8%

Because the funding is intended to support applied research, applicants should prepare a realistic budget that clearly explains how each expense contributes to the successful completion of the project.

Documents Required Before Applying

Applicants should prepare the following documents before beginning their application:

• Professional and institutional information
• Project summary
• Detailed research proposal outlining the project's objectives, methodology, ethical considerations, and expected outcomes
• Project budget in US Dollars with justification
• Curriculum Vitae of the principal investigator and key collaborators
• Letters of collaboration from partner institutions, where applicable
• Letter of support from a local stakeholder

Preparing these documents in advance can help applicants avoid last-minute delays before the submission deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can researchers living outside their home country apply?

Yes. Nationals of eligible low- and middle-income countries may apply even if they currently live or work in a high-income country, provided the proposed research focuses on eligible country contexts.

Do I need to be employed by a university?

Applicants must be affiliated with an accredited university when submitting their application. This includes doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and academic staff.

Is community participation compulsory?

Yes. One of the programme's key requirements is the use of community-based or participatory research methods. Applicants must also submit a letter of support from a local stakeholder, demonstrating that the research has relevance beyond academia.

What happens after receiving the grant?

Selected researchers are expected to complete their projects within the approved timeline, submit a final research report by June 30, 2027, and acknowledge both GDPC and the French Red Cross Foundation in any publications or project outputs resulting from the grant.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should review the official call for proposals carefully and prepare all required documents before submitting their applications through the official GDPC application portal.

Applications close on Friday, July 31, 2026 (23:59 UTC). Late submissions are unlikely to be considered, so applicants are encouraged to complete their applications well before the deadline.