UNESCO is offering six Research Continuity Grants of up to US$2,000 each for African researchers whose natural-science work was disrupted by conflict or a natural or biological hazard. Apply by 15 November 2026.
Background & Grant Description
UNESCO has opened applications for its Science for Crisis Response and Solutions (SCRS) Research Continuity Grants for Africa. The pilot initiative aims to help African researchers resume or complete natural-science research interrupted by armed conflict, natural disasters or biological hazards.
The programme will provide six institutional grants of up to US$2,000 each to eligible researchers based at recognised universities or research institutes in African countries.
The funding is intended to help researchers preserve valuable scientific data, complete essential research activities and strengthen research capacity in crisis-affected settings.
Applications must be submitted by 15 November 2026 at 23:59 Paris time. The proposed activities must be completed within six months.
Grant Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | UNESCO |
| Programme | SCRS Research Continuity Grants for Africa |
| Grant type | Institutional research grant |
| Number of grants | 6 |
| Maximum funding | US$2,000 per grant |
| Eligible region | African countries meeting the crisis criteria |
| Research focus | Natural sciences and qualifying interdisciplinary research |
| Project duration | Activities must be completed within 6 months |
| Application deadline | 15 November 2026 |
| Submission languages | English or French |
| Official application information | UNESCO Research Continuity Grants |
What the Grant Can Support
The funding is designed to support specific research activities affected by a crisis. Eligible expenses may include:
- Research supplies: Consumables and small materials needed to continue scientific work.
- Fieldwork and travel: Local research travel and fieldwork expenses.
- Data management: Data collection, processing and secure storage.
- Equipment and facilities: Minor equipment repairs or essential short-term access to facilities.
- Laboratory and publication costs: Eligible laboratory expenses, publication fees and open-access costs.
The proposed activities must directly support the interrupted research and fit within the US$2,000 funding limit.
Expenses That Are Not Covered
The grant does not cover salary replacement, honoraria, personal allowances, international relocation, long-term subsistence, major equipment purchases, construction, institutional overheads or activities unrelated to the interrupted research.
Applicants must also confirm that the same expenses are not already being funded by another source.
Qualifications and Eligibility
To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be an African national based at a recognised university or research institute in an African country.
- Hold at least a Master’s degree or an equivalent recognised research qualification in a relevant field.
- Conduct natural-science research, including interdisciplinary work with a substantial natural-science component.
- Demonstrate that the research was interrupted by armed conflict or a natural or biological hazard within the previous three years, or remains materially affected by the consequences.
- Propose research activities that can be completed within six months and within the US$2,000 grant ceiling.
- Provide a signed support letter from an authorised representative of the host institution.
- Confirm that the proposed costs are not being funded by another source.
Researchers from all African countries meeting the crisis criteria are welcome to apply.
UNESCO particularly encourages applications from women scientists, researchers under 40, and researchers from least developed countries and Small Island Developing States in Africa.
Additional Information
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the following:
- Completed and signed application form in English or French.
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- Proof of the highest relevant academic qualification.
- Signed institutional support letter.
- Any required ethics approval, research authorisation or fieldwork permit for the proposed activities.
How to Apply
Interested researchers should follow these steps:
- Read the official Call for Applications, Terms of Reference and Concept Note.
- Confirm that their research and proposed expenses meet the eligibility requirements.
- Complete and sign the application form in English or French.
- Attach the required supporting documents and any necessary research authorisations.
- Submit the application online through the application form linked on the official programme page.
Application deadline: 15 November 2026 at 23:59 Paris time.
Visit the official UNESCO grant announcement to access the application materials and submission instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the UNESCO Research Continuity Grants for Africa?
They are small institutional research grants designed to help African scientists resume or complete natural-science research disrupted by armed conflict or natural or biological hazards.
2. How much funding is available?
UNESCO plans to award six grants of up to US$2,000 each under the first pilot call.
3. Who can apply?
African nationals based at recognised universities or research institutes in African countries who hold at least a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent research qualification and meet the crisis-related research requirements may apply.
4. Which research fields are eligible?
Natural-science research is eligible, including interdisciplinary research with a substantial natural-science component.
5. What types of research expenses can be funded?
Eligible expenses may include research supplies, local fieldwork and travel, data collection and storage, minor equipment repairs, laboratory costs and publication fees.
6. Can the funding pay researchers’ salaries?
No. Salary replacement, honoraria and personal allowances are excluded, alongside other ineligible expenses such as major equipment, construction and institutional overheads.
7. How long do funded activities have to take?
The proposed activities must be achievable within six months and within the maximum grant amount.
8. Are women researchers encouraged to apply?
Yes. UNESCO particularly encourages women scientists, researchers under 40, and researchers from least developed countries and Small Island Developing States in Africa.
9. What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 15 November 2026 at 23:59 Paris time.
10. How can researchers apply?
Applicants can access the application instructions and required documents through the official UNESCO programme announcement.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The UNESCO SCRS Research Continuity Grants provide targeted support for African researchers whose scientific work has been disrupted by crisis. Although the maximum grant is modest, it may help eligible researchers recover data, complete fieldwork, repair essential equipment or cover critical laboratory and publication expenses.
Applicants should ensure that their research interruption meets the stated criteria, that their host institution supports the application and that their proposed activities can be completed within six months.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares research funding and educational opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with UNESCO and does not administer these grants. Applicants should verify all eligibility criteria and submission requirements through the official programme page.
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