The 2026 GDPC Spotlight Research Grants are now open to university-affiliated researchers from low- and middle-income countries. Applications close on 31 July 2026, 23:59 UTC. The program supports original, applied research on the principled and accountable use of ICTs, including AI, in humanitarian action.
GDPC is offering US$ 10,000 per selected project. In addition, supported research must be completed within up to eight months, from 1 November 2026 to 30 June 2027.
Key Details:
Application Deadline: 31 July 2026, 23:59 UTC
Eligible Countries: Low- and middle-income countries (as defined by OECD classification)
Host Organization: Global Disaster Preparedness Center (GDPC) in partnership with the French Red Cross Foundation
Project Focus: Principled and accountable use of ICTs, including AI, in humanitarian action
About the Grant
The Global Disaster Preparedness Center (GDPC), in partnership with the French Red Cross Foundation, invites applications for its 2026 Spotlight Research Grants. The grant is designed for university-affiliated researchers who want to produce applied research relevant to humanitarian action in low- and middle-income country contexts.
Projects should be original and feasible within the grant timeline. In addition, the research must use community-based or participatory methodologies and aim to produce outputs that local stakeholders can access.
Level of Study / Applicant Profile: University-affiliated researchers (PhD candidates, post-doctoral researchers, faculty)
Award Provider: Global Disaster Preparedness Center (GDPC) in partnership with the French Red Cross Foundation
Eligibility
- Applicants must be affiliated with an accredited university at the time of submission.
- Applicants should be nationals of low- and middle-income countries, including least developed and upper-middle-income nations.
- Research must focus on low- and middle-income country contexts.
- Applicants may be nationals of LMICs even if they currently reside in high-income countries.
- Projects must be feasible for completion within the eight-month timeline.
- Community-based or participatory methodologies are required.
- A letter of support from a local stakeholder must be included.
Grant Amount: US$ 10,000
Project Duration: Up to eight months (program timeline: 1 November 2026 to 30 June 2027).
Funding Scope: The grant supports project-related expenses, including personnel, data collection and analysis, equipment leasing or rental, software, project-essential travel, per diems, administrative overhead up to 8%, and translation where needed.
Required Documents
- Applicant information (professional affiliation)
- Project summary
- Project description, including background, rationale, objectives, methodology, and ethical considerations
- Budget in US Dollars with detailed breakdown and justification
- CVs for the principal investigator and key co-investigators
- Letters of collaboration or support from partner institutions
- Letter of support from a local stakeholder
Responsibilities of Grantees
- Conduct original, applied research aligned with the program topics.
- Complete the research within the program timeline and submit a final research report by 30 June 2027.
- Use community-based or participatory methodologies and produce outputs accessible to local stakeholders.
- Acknowledge GDPC and the French Red Cross Foundation in publications and dissemination.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should review the full call carefully and prepare all required materials before submitting an application through the official page. Because the host provides the final instructions, applicants should use the official website for complete guidance.
👉 Visit the official grant page for details
