UNESCO is implementing a programme to strengthen scientific research safety and emergency preparedness across South Sudan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Madagascar and Kenya. The initiative runs from January 2026 to December 2027, with a total project budget of US$10,063.
Background & Project Description
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is implementing a regional programme aimed at protecting scientific research and helping research institutions continue their activities during crises and emergencies.
Listed in UNESCO’s Core Data Portal under Project ID A2102B2041, the programme seeks to strengthen the capacity of Member States, research institutions and scientists to safeguard scientific work, improve institutional preparedness and respond to emergencies.
The initiative focuses on institutional capacity-building, policy support, awareness-raising and targeted support for women scientists. It also aims to promote the freedom and safety of scientists and strengthen inclusive, gender-responsive research environments across Eastern Africa.
According to the official project record, the programme began on January 1, 2026, and is scheduled to end on December 31, 2027.
The project has a total reported budget of US$10,063, financed through UNESCO’s regular budget under the Natural Sciences Sector.
Project Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | UNESCO |
| Project title | Programme to strengthen scientific research safety and continuity during crises and emergencies |
| Project ID | A2102B2041 |
| Sector | Natural Sciences |
| Project status | Ongoing, according to the supplied record |
| Start date | January 1, 2026 |
| End date | December 31, 2027 |
| Total project budget | US$10,063 |
| Funding source | UNESCO regular budget |
| Geographic focus | Eastern Africa |
| Beneficiary countries | South Sudan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Madagascar and Kenya |
| Primary focus | Scientific research safety, emergency preparedness and resilient research institutions |
| Official project page | UNESCO Core Data Portal |
Programme Objectives
The programme seeks to strengthen the ability of countries and research institutions to protect scientific activities when emergencies disrupt normal operations.
1. Protect Scientific Research During Emergencies
The initiative aims to help research institutions safeguard scientific work and maintain continuity during crises and other emergencies.
2. Strengthen Institutional Capacity
Through capacity-building and policy support, the programme seeks to improve the ability of institutions and relevant stakeholders to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies affecting scientific research.
3. Promote the Freedom and Safety of Scientists
The programme supports efforts to protect scientists and scientific research, contributing to an environment in which research can continue safely.
4. Support Women Scientists
Targeted support for women scientists forms part of the initiative. The programme also promotes gender-responsive research environments and considers gender equality in its broader objectives.
5. Build Resilient Research Systems
The initiative aims to strengthen research systems so that institutions can respond more effectively to disruptions and protect the production of scientific knowledge.
Geographical Scope and Beneficiaries
The UNESCO project identifies five beneficiary countries, each assigned an allocation of 20% in the official project record.
| Country | Listed allocation |
|---|---|
| South Sudan | 20% |
| Djibouti | 20% |
| Ethiopia | 20% |
| Madagascar | 20% |
| Kenya | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
The programme’s regional focus is Eastern Africa, with activities intended to benefit Member States, research institutions and scientists.
The supplied record lists the country allocations but does not provide a detailed breakdown of individual activities, participating institutions or the number of scientists expected to benefit in each country.
Additional Information
Project Budget and Funding
UNESCO reports a total project budget of US$10,063.
The financial plan identifies the funding source as a contribution to UNESCO’s regular budget, allocated to the Natural Sciences Sector.
The portal does not report an incurred expenditure amount in the supplied information. The US$10,063 figure represents the overall project budget, not an individual scholarship, grant or payment available to applicants.
Project Timeline and Reported Progress
The project is scheduled to run for two calendar years, from January 2026 through December 2027.
The supplied UNESCO record lists the project as ongoing and reports a 0% progress benchmark as of June 30, 2026. This is the figure shown in the portal and should not be interpreted, without further information, as proof that no activities have taken place.
Is This an Open Scholarship or Funding Opportunity?
The supplied project record does not announce an open application process.
It describes UNESCO’s regional programme, budget, objectives and beneficiary countries. It does not provide an application deadline, applicant eligibility requirements, an application form or a process for individuals or institutions to request funding.
Researchers, universities and organisations interested in the initiative should consult UNESCO’s official project page and contact the relevant UNESCO office for information about specific activities or participation opportunities.
How to Find Official Information
To review the programme’s official details:
- Visit the UNESCO Core Data Portal project page.
- Review the project objectives, status, funding source and beneficiary countries.
- Check UNESCO’s official channels for any separately announced calls, activities or opportunities related to scientific research safety.
- Confirm eligibility and application details directly with UNESCO if a specific opportunity is announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the UNESCO Eastern Africa research safety programme?
It is a regional programme designed to strengthen the capacity of countries, research institutions and scientists to protect scientific research and maintain research activities during crises and emergencies.
2. Which countries are included?
The official record identifies South Sudan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Madagascar and Kenya as beneficiary countries.
3. How much is the project budget?
The reported total project budget is US$10,063.
4. Does UNESCO provide US$10,063 to each beneficiary country?
The record gives US$10,063 as the total project budget and lists a 20% allocation for each of the five countries. It does not describe the amount as an individual grant or scholarship.
5. When does the project end?
The project is scheduled to end on December 31, 2027.
6. What are the programme’s main objectives?
Its objectives include protecting scientific research during emergencies, strengthening institutional capacity, promoting the freedom and safety of scientists, supporting women scientists and building resilient research systems.
7. Does the programme support women scientists?
Yes. Targeted support for women scientists is specifically mentioned in the project description, alongside efforts to foster gender-responsive research environments.
8. Can individuals apply for funding through this project page?
The supplied project record does not contain an open funding application or application instructions. Interested individuals and institutions should check UNESCO’s official channels for separately announced opportunities.
9. Is the programme still ongoing?
The supplied UNESCO record identifies the project as ongoing, with a scheduled end date of December 31, 2027. Applicants and interested organisations should consult the portal for the latest status.
10. Where can I find the official project information?
The details are available through the UNESCO Core Data Portal.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The UNESCO Eastern Africa programme highlights the importance of protecting scientific research and supporting researchers when crises and emergencies threaten institutional activities.
Its stated priorities include research continuity, institutional resilience, scientist safety and targeted support for women scientists across five beneficiary countries.
However, this is a UNESCO project listing, not a confirmed open scholarship, grant call or job vacancy. The reported US$10,063 is the total project budget, and the supplied page does not provide an application procedure for individuals or organisations. Readers should monitor UNESCO’s official channels for any specific opportunities associated with the programme.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares information about external projects and initiatives for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with UNESCO. Project details, budgets, progress figures and any future participation opportunities should be verified through the official UNESCO Core Data Portal.
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