GRTD SRHR Applied Research Centre Funding 2026: Eligibility, Stipend &

Apply for SRHR Applied Research Centre Funding 2026 - Up to £12M Grant

Post Update: 14 October 2026

The Global Research and Technology Development Research Commissioning Centre (GRTD RCC)—co-led by 3ie and the University of Birmingham on behalf of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)—is offering up to £12 million for global sexual and reproductive health research with an Expression of Interest deadline of 30 November 2026. This prominent international initiative aims to strengthen evidence-based policy and health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Eligible institutions seeking international development grants can access complete details regarding eligibility, stipends, and the submission procedure on the official website.

GRTD SRHR Applied Research Centre Funding 2026 Overview

The GRTD SRHR Applied Research Centre 2026 initiative is designed to address major evidence gaps in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). The programme period spans from July 2027 to March 2032. The initiative aligns closely with the UK's International Women and Girls’ Strategy 2023–2030, focusing on systemic barriers in healthcare delivery.

GRTD SRHR Applied Research Centre Funding Benefits and Funding

Selected institutions receive substantial financial support to manage a comprehensive research centre. The funding mechanism is structured to cover core research, consortium coordination, and knowledge translation across multiple jurisdictions.

• Main Research Grant: Up to £12 million awarded to the winning consortium to execute applied research across at least six diverse LMICs.
• Proposal Development Support: Up to £30,000 provided to shortlisted applicants progressing to the full proposal stage, subject to due diligence and contracting.
• Stipend and Operational Costs: Covers institutional research capacity, stakeholder engagement, evidence synthesis, and rapid-response research services.

GRTD SRHR Applied Research Centre Funding Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this competitive FCDO global health research grant, applicant institutions must satisfy strict institutional and geographic criteria.

• Lead Institution Type: Must be an eligible public university, a nonprofit research organisation, or a private university with a clearly defined nonprofit division.
• Geographic Base: The lead organisation must be based in a low- or middle-income country (LMIC).
• Consortium Structure: Can act independently or through a qualifying institutional partnership/consortium.
• Scope Requirement: The proposed research must focus on at least six diverse LMICs, establishing multi-country partnerships to tackle regional health disparities.

GRTD SRHR Applied Research Centre Funding Important Dates and Deadline

Applicants must track key milestones during the two-stage competitive process. Timely submission of the Expression of Interest is mandatory for consideration.

How to Apply for GRTD SRHR Applied Research Centre Funding

Interested institutions must prepare their documentation and submit materials through the designated digital channels before the deadline.

1. Review the official call documents available via the apply online portal to verify thematic priorities and administrative guidelines.
2. Formulate an institutional partnership or research consortium meeting the six-LMIC requirement.
3. Draft the Expression of Interest (EOI) proposal detailing your research methodology, consortium structure, and strategic objectives.
4. Submit the completed EOI through the online submission portal before the 30 November 2026 deadline.
5. Await shortlisting notifications and prepare for the full proposal stage if invited.

Documents Required for GRTD SRHR Applied Research Centre Funding

Applicants must assemble precise institutional and technical documents to support their submissions. Shortlisted candidates will undergo secondary verification.

• Official call documents and guidelines
• Completed Expression of Interest (EOI) proposal form
• Institutional credentials proving nonprofit or public university status in an LMIC
• Consortium agreement frameworks (if applying as a partnership)
• Due diligence materials (required exclusively for shortlisted applicants)

GRTD SRHR Applied Research Centre Funding Selection Process

The selection of the research centre follows a rigorous two-stage competitive evaluation model.

• Stage One: Evaluation of Expressions of Interest submitted by eligible LMIC institutions, focusing on institutional capacity, research scope, and alignment with FCDO objectives.
• Shortlisting: Selected applicants receive up to £30,000 in proposal development support and are invited to submit comprehensive full proposals.
• Stage Two Deadline: Invited applicants submit their full proposals by 16 April 2027.
• Final Award: Final selection and contracting precede the commencement of the research centre operations in July 2027.

GRTD SRHR Applied Research Centre Funding Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last date for submitting the Expression of Interest? The deadline to submit the Expression of Interest is 30 November 2026 at 17:00 GMT.

What is the maximum funding amount available for the research centre? Successful consortia can receive up to £12 million in funding over the programme period.

Who is eligible to apply as the lead institution? Eligible lead institutions include public universities, nonprofit research organisations, and private universities with a clearly defined nonprofit division based in a low- or middle-income country.

Are shortlisted applicants provided with any financial support for proposal development? Yes, shortlisted applicants progressing to the full proposal stage may receive up to £30,000 in proposal development support.

Where can candidates download the complete notification and apply online? You can access the notification and submission links directly through the official website.