Applications are now open for the Science for crisis response and solutions — Research Continuity Grants for Africa (SCRS) by UNESCO. This pilot grant supports African researchers whose natural-science research was interrupted by armed conflict or a natural or biological hazard.
Specifically, the initiative aims to help researchers resume or complete clearly defined parts of interrupted research. It also supports the preservation of data, research capacity, and essential scientific work.
Application Deadline: 15 November 2026, 23:59 Paris time
Eligible Countries: All African countries meeting the crisis criteria
Host Organization: UNESCO
Grant Amount: Up to USD 2,000 each
Number of Awards: 6 institutional grants
Project Duration: Proposed activities must be completable within six months
Location: Applicants must be based at a recognized university or research institute in an African country
About the Grant
The UNESCO SCRS grant is a small-grants initiative for researchers in Africa. It focuses on interrupted natural-science research and interdisciplinary research with a substantial natural-science component.
Moreover, the grant is designed for focused, practical activities. These activities should help applicants resume, complete, or safeguard important parts of research that crisis disrupted within the past three years or continues to affect.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be African nationals.
- They must be based at a recognized university or research institute in an African country.
- Applicants must hold at least a Master’s degree or an equivalent recognized research qualification.
- They must conduct natural-science research or interdisciplinary research with a substantial natural-science component.
- They must show that their research was interrupted by armed conflict or a natural or biological hazard within the previous three years, or that it remains materially affected.
- Applicants must propose activities that can be completed within six months and within the USD 2,000 grant ceiling.
- They must provide a signed support letter from an authorized representative of the host institution.
- They must confirm that the same costs are not being funded from another source.
- Women scientists, researchers under 40, and researchers from least developed countries and Small Island Developing States in Africa are particularly encouraged to apply.
Grant Amount: Up to USD 2,000 each
Project Duration: Proposed activities must be completable within six months
Funding Scope Support may cover consumables, small research supplies, local fieldwork, research travel, data collection, data processing, secure storage, minor equipment repair, essential short-term access to equipment or facilities, and laboratory, publication, or open-access costs.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare the required documents and complete the application form in English or French. Then, they should submit a signed application with institutional support and any required research, ethics, or fieldwork authorization.
Required documents include:
- Completed and signed application form (English or French)
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Proof of highest relevant qualification
- Signed institutional support letter from an authorized representative of the host institution
- Any required ethics, research or fieldwork authorization
👉 Visit the official grant page for details
