Apply for the 11th Call for STEG Opens Research Grants 2026 and receive up to £25,000 to support research on structural transformation, economic growth, gender, climate change, AI, labour markets, and development in low- and middle-income countries.
Overview
The Structural Transformation and Economic Growth (STEG) programme has launched its 11th Call for Small Research Grants (SRGs), providing funding of between £10,000 and £25,000 for researchers working on issues related to structural transformation and economic growth in low- and middle-income countries.
The grant supports a wide range of research activities, including data collection, research assistance, fieldwork, travel, data acquisition, teaching buyouts, and project completion support. Researchers from around the world, including PhD students, are encouraged to apply.
About the STEG Small Research Grants
The STEG Small Research Grant programme supports innovative research that contributes to understanding the drivers of economic growth and structural transformation in developing countries.
Research projects may focus on broad macroeconomic trends, comparative development experiences, or specific policy challenges linked to economic transformation. The programme particularly encourages projects that address pressing global challenges such as gender inequality, climate change, environmental sustainability, artificial intelligence, and inclusive development.
The grants are intended to generate high-quality evidence that can inform policymaking and contribute to academic knowledge in development economics.
Benefits
Successful applicants may receive funding ranging from:
- £10,000 to £25,000 for Small Research Grants
- Up to £15,000 under the dedicated PhD Research Grant programme
Funding may be used for:
- Research assistance
- Data collection
- Data purchase and harmonization
- Fieldwork and travel expenses
- Research stipends
- Teaching buyouts
- Project implementation costs
- Completion of projects affected by international aid cuts
Additional benefits include:
- Support for policy-relevant research
- Opportunities to engage with policymakers
- Enhanced research visibility
- Contribution to international development knowledge
- Potential for future collaboration within the STEG research network
Eligibility
Who Can Apply?
The grant is open to:
- Researchers worldwide
- Academic researchers
- Policy researchers
- Development economists
- Research institutions
- Universities
- PhD students
Priority Research Areas
For this funding round, STEG particularly welcomes proposals focusing on:
1. Data Collection and Harmonization
Projects involving:
- Cross-sectional datasets
- Panel datasets
- Macroeconomic databases
- Public-use research datasets
2. Artificial Intelligence and Automation
Research examining:
- AI impacts on labour markets
- Automation and economic growth
- Technological transformation in developing countries
- Productivity implications of AI
3. Gender and Structural Transformation
Research exploring:
- Women’s labour force participation
- Gender-based economic constraints
- Gender-responsive growth policies
- Women’s economic empowerment
4. Climate Change and Development
Projects related to:
- Climate resilience
- Environmental sustainability
- Green growth
- Climate-related economic transformation
5. Projects Impacted by Aid Cuts
Research projects requiring additional resources to reach completion.
Application Process
Step 1
Carefully review the Small Research Grant guidance documents and eligibility requirements.
Step 2
Download the official proposal templates from the STEG funding page.
Step 3
Prepare a complete research proposal outlining:
- Research objectives
- Methodology
- Expected outcomes
- Budget
- Timeline
Step 4
Complete the Small Research Grant Application Form through the STEG Hub portal.
Step 5
Submit the application before the deadline.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Completed application form
- Research proposal
- Project budget
- Research timeline
- Supporting documentation requested by STEG
- Any required institutional approvals
Deadline
Application Deadline: 29 June 2026
Time: 23:59 BST (United Kingdom Time)
Funding decisions are expected within approximately three months after the application deadline.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | STEG Small Research Grants |
| Funding Amount | £10,000 – £25,000 |
| PhD Grants | Up to £15,000 |
| Eligible Applicants | Researchers and PhD Students |
| Research Areas | Economic Growth, AI, Gender, Climate, Development |
| Project Duration | Up to 12 Months |
| Application Method | Online |
| Deadline | 29 June 2026 |
| Funding Decisions | Within 3 Months |
| Geographic Focus | Low- and Middle-Income Countries |
Conclusion
The STEG Small Research Grants 2026 provide an excellent opportunity for researchers seeking funding to investigate critical issues affecting economic transformation and development in low- and middle-income countries. With grants of up to £25,000 available, the programme supports impactful research on AI, labour markets, gender equality, climate change, and broader structural transformation challenges.
Researchers with innovative, policy-relevant projects are encouraged to prepare their applications early and submit before the June 2026 deadline.
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