Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The UNESCO Science for Crisis Response and Solutions (SCRS) Programme has launched its first pilot call for Research Continuity Grants for Africa. This initiative addresses a critical gap in research funding: supporting scientists whose work has been disrupted by crises including armed conflict, natural disasters, or biological hazards.
Six grants of up to USD 2,000 each will be awarded to eligible researchers based at recognized universities or research institutes across Africa. The grants are specifically designed to help researchers resume or complete clearly defined portions of interrupted research, preserve valuable scientific data and capacity, and build resilience within research systems operating in challenging environments.
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Eligibility Requirements
This call is open to researchers who meet all of the following criteria:
- Nationality and location: African nationals based at recognized universities or research institutes in African countries
- Qualifications: Hold at least a Master’s degree or equivalent recognized research qualification in a relevant field
- Research focus: Conduct natural-science research, including interdisciplinary research with a substantial natural-science component
- Crisis impact: Can demonstrate that research was interrupted by armed conflict or natural/biological hazard within the previous three years, or continues to be materially affected by its consequences
- Feasibility: Propose activities that can be completed within six months and within the USD 2,000 grant ceiling
- Institutional support: Provide a signed support letter from an authorized representative of their host institution
- Funding confirmation: Confirm that the same costs are not being funded from another source
Applications are welcome from all African countries meeting the crisis criteria. Women scientists, researchers under 40, and researchers from least developed countries and Small Island Developing States in Africa are particularly encouraged to apply.
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What the Grant Covers
Funding may support focused activities directly linked to the interrupted research:
- Consumables and small research supplies
- Local fieldwork and research travel
- Data collection, processing or secure storage
- Minor equipment repair or essential short-term access to equipment or facilities
- Laboratory, publication or open-access costs
Not covered: Salary replacement, honoraria or personal allowances, international relocation or long-term subsistence, major equipment or construction, institutional overheads, or activities unrelated to the interrupted research.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
- Read the Call for Applications, Terms of Reference and Concept Note carefully
- Complete and sign the application form in English or French
- Attach required documents: CV, proof of highest relevant qualification, and signed institutional support letter
- Provide any ethics, research or fieldwork authorization required for proposed activities
- Submit the application online through the official application form
Application materials are available in both English and French.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Application deadline: 15 November 2026, 23:59 Paris time
This is the first pilot call under the UNESCO SCRS Programme, with future calls anticipated based on evaluation outcomes.
Context for Zimbabwe and SADC Applicants
Researchers from Zimbabwe and the broader SADC region may find this opportunity particularly relevant given the region’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters including droughts, floods, and cyclones. The eligibility criteria explicitly include natural and biological hazards, not only armed conflict, making this accessible to researchers whose fieldwork or laboratory access has been disrupted by environmental crises.
The emphasis on researchers from least developed countries and those under 40 aligns well with Zimbabwe’s demographic profile and development status. The modest grant size and six-month implementation period are designed for rapid deployment, meaning successful applicants can expect quick turnaround from award to activity commencement.
Strategic Considerations
Given the competitive nature of this pilot call (six grants across the entire continent), applicants should focus on:
- Clear documentation of the crisis impact on specific research activities
- Precise, achievable objectives within the six-month timeframe
- Strong institutional support letters that confirm commitment to hosting the research
- Demonstration of how the grant will preserve scientific capacity beyond the immediate project
The interdisciplinary nature of eligible research means that applicants working at the intersection of natural sciences and social sciences (such as environmental economics, climate adaptation, or disaster risk reduction) can apply provided the natural science component is substantial.
Official scholarship page: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/call-applications-science-crisis-response-and-solutions-research-continuity-grants-africa
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
