The GDPC Spotlight Research Grants Program 2026 supports original research on the principled and accountable use of technology in humanitarian action. The programme is launched by the Global Disaster Preparedness Center in partnership with the French Red Cross Foundation and provides US$10,000 research grants for projects focused on low- and middle-income countries.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: GDPC Spotlight Research Grants Program
Category: Research Grant
Organizer: Global Disaster Preparedness Center
Partner: French Red Cross Foundation
Research Theme: Principled and accountable use of technology in humanitarian action
Grant Amount: US$10,000
Duration: Up to eight months
Research Period: 1 November 2026 to 30 June 2027
Application Deadline: 31 July 2026, 23:59 UTC
Eligible Applicants: University-affiliated researchers from low- and middle-income countries
About the GDPC Spotlight Research Grants Program
The 2026 GDPC Spotlight Research Grants Program provides funding to university researchers whose projects examine how ICTs and emerging technologies can be used humanely, ethically, and responsibly in humanitarian contexts.
The programme is focused on original research in low- and middle-income countries. It aims to expand the evidence base on responsible technology use and support research that can inform policy, planning, humanitarian programming, and community action.
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Research Focus and Priority Topics
The research call focuses on the responsible use of Information and Communication Technologies in humanitarian action. The official page highlights technology-related opportunities and risks, including digital access, data protection, ethical safeguards, accountability, and humanitarian principles.
Proposals should align with one of the programme’s defined research topics:
• Community needs and digital realities
• ICT solution feasibility and implementation
• Data protection in humanitarian action
Projects should contribute to the selected research area and demonstrate relevance to humanitarian contexts in low- and middle-income countries.
Funding and Covered Expenses
Selected research grants provide US$10,000 for research lasting up to eight months. The grant funding may be used only for expenses directly related to the proposed research project.
Confirmed eligible cost areas include:
✓ Personnel costs for staff or personnel directly supporting the research project
✓ Survey or interview costs, including participant incentives
✓ Leasing or renting equipment for the project period
✓ Software or tools needed for data collection, analysis, and research
✓ Essential project travel using economical transport
✓ Administrative overhead or indirect costs up to 8% of the total grant
✓ Printing, copying, communication, and meeting-room rental for project-related activities
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Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be affiliated with an accredited university at the time of submission. The official page states that eligible applicants include PhD candidates, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty members. Teams of researchers are also welcome to submit proposals.
Applicants should meet the following confirmed requirements:
• Be affiliated with an accredited university at the time of submission
• Be a researcher from a low- or middle-income country
• Submit research focused on low- and middle-income country contexts
• Align the proposed project with one of the programme’s defined topics
• Demonstrate that the project can be completed within the eight-month timeline
• Submit the application in English
Researchers may conduct their research in any language. However, the final research paper must be submitted in English or French.
Academic and Research Background
The programme is designed for university researchers. The official page specifically mentions disciplines in the social sciences and humanities, including sociology, anthropology, law, human geography, management, behavioral studies, and psychology.
Proposals should be led by researchers based in low- and middle-income countries. The programme also encourages community-based or participatory methodologies and outputs that are accessible to local stakeholders.
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Required Application Materials
The complete application package must include the required information and documents listed on the official page.
• Applicant information, including professional affiliation details
• Project summary with a concise abstract and key information
• Project description covering background, rationale, objectives, methodology, scientific merit, broader impact, and ethical considerations
• Budget proposal in US dollars with detailed expenses and justification
• Research team composition, including the Principal Investigator and key co-investigators
• CVs for the Principal Investigator and key co-investigators
• Letters of collaboration for projects involving partnerships outside the applicant’s primary affiliation
A letter of support from a relevant partner organization or agency should also be included where applicable.
Selection Process
Eligible proposals will be reviewed by an expert panel consisting of representatives from GDPC, IFRC, and other humanitarian organizations. Proposals will be evaluated based on research quality, relevance, impact, ethics, team qualifications, budget, timeline, and collaboration.
The official selection criteria include:
• Scientific merit and rigor
• Relevance to the selected research topic
• Potential impact on policy and practice
• Understanding of ethical concerns and mitigation strategies
• Qualifications and expertise of the Principal Investigator and co-investigators
• Reasonable and realistic budget proposal
• Clear timeline for completing the final research paper
• Cross-collaboration and partnership between stakeholders
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Key Dates
Applicants should note the official programme timeline before preparing their proposals.
• Application submission deadline: 31 July 2026, 23:59 GMT
• Application review period: August 2026
• Award notification: September 2026
• Award processing: October 2026
• Research period: November 2026 to June 2027
• Research reports due: 30 June 2027
• Report review period: July 2027
• Final reports published: September 2027
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications for the current research call is 31 July 2026 at 23:59 GMT. Applicants must first determine their eligibility through the official eligibility form and then follow the application instructions provided by the programme.
Apply Here
Review the official programme details and follow the application instructions provided on the official page.
View the Official GDPC Spotlight Research Grants Program Page
