funding: $10,000 USD
location: Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
host: Global Disaster Preparedness Center (GDPC) / French Red Cross Foundation
duration: Up to 8 months (through 30 June 2027)
source-url: https://opportunitydesk.org/2026/07/03/gdpc-spotlight-research-grants-program-2026/
apply-url: https://preparecenter.org/activity/gdpc-research-activities/call-for-applications-research-grants-icts/
The Global Disaster Preparedness Center (GDPC) and the French Red Cross Foundation have launched the GDPC Spotlight Research Grants Program 2026, providing funding to university researchers for projects focused on technology in humanitarian action. This program supports researchers from low- and middle-income countries, with 8 months of research duration and a $10,000 grant. The program aims to stimulate new knowledge in priority research questions, ultimately informing policy and practice.
Overview
The GDPC Spotlight Research Grants Program aims to support applied and impactful research that can inform policy, planning, humanitarian programming, community action, and more. Research can be conducted in English or French, and the program seeks to stimulate new knowledge in priority research questions under three main topics: Community Needs & Digital Realities, ICT Solution Feasibility & Implementation, and Data Protection in Humanitarian Action.
- Topic 1: Community Needs & Digital Realities
- Topic 2: ICT Solution Feasibility & Implementation
- Topic 3: Data Protection in Humanitarian Action
- Topic 1.1: Needs-Aligned ICTs
- Topic 1.2: Community Adaptation of ICTs
- Topic 2.1: Operational Constraints
- Topic 2.2: Digital Maturity Context
- Topic 2.3: Humanitarian Principle Alignment
- Topic 3.1: Personal Data Handling
- Topic 3.2: Data Privacy & Accountability
- Topic 3.3: Community Trust
Eligibility
Applicants must be affiliated with an accredited university at the time of submission. Eligible applicants include PhD candidates, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty members from social sciences and humanities disciplines.
- Be affiliated with an accredited university
- Be a PhD candidate, post-doctoral researcher, or faculty member
- Come from disciplines in social sciences and humanities
Benefits
- $10,000 research grant
- Support for original research on principled and accountable use of technology in humanitarian action
- Opportunity to inform policy, planning, humanitarian programming, community action, and more
How to Apply
The application process for the GDPC Spotlight Research Grants Program involves submitting a proposal. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2026 (23:59 UTC).
- Submit a proposal by July 31, 2026 (23:59 UTC)
- Ensure the proposal aligns with the program's research topics and priorities
- Provide all required information and supporting materials
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for applications is July 31, 2026 (23:59 UTC).
What is the research grant amount?
The research grant amount is $10,000 USD.
What are the eligible research topics?
The program focuses on three main topics: Community Needs & Digital Realities, ICT Solution Feasibility & Implementation, and Data Protection in Humanitarian Action.
Can researchers from any country apply?
The program specifically supports researchers from low- and middle-income countries.
What is the expected research duration?
The research is expected to last up to eight months, with a completion deadline of June 30, 2027.
What languages are accepted for research?
Research can be conducted in English or French.