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Tenth Call for Proposals for STEG Small Research Grant Program

Deadline: 06-Jan-2026

The Structural Transformation and Economic Growth (STEG) Small Research Grant Program offers funding of £10,000–£25,000 to researchers studying structural transformation and economic growth in low- and middle-income countries. Projects can cover STEG research themes including firms, industrial policy, agriculture, trade, households, and labor, with special emphasis on gender, climate, inequality, and AI’s impact on labor markets. The program supports data collection, research assistance, travel, and stipends, with projects expected to be completed within 12 months.

Overview

The Structural Transformation and Economic Growth (STEG) Small Research Grant (SRG) Program provides funding to advance knowledge on structural transformation and growth in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The program encourages innovative, high-impact research addressing both broad systemic patterns and targeted thematic questions relevant to economic development.

Objectives and Focus Areas

STEG seeks projects that:

  • Investigate structural transformation across time, space, or sectors

  • Explore key research themes, including:

    1. Data, Measurement, and Conceptual Framing

    2. Firms, Frictions, and Spillovers

    3. Industrial Policy

    4. Labor, Home Production, and Structural Transformation at Household Level

    5. Agricultural Productivity and Sectoral Gaps

    6. Trade, Spatial Frictions, and Role of Public Sector

  • Address cross-cutting issues:

Special Considerations for 2026

STEG encourages proposals that:

  • Collect, harmonize, or curate macro-relevant data

  • Examine AI and advanced automation effects on labor markets and growth

  • Focus on gender and structural transformation

  • Complete projects affected by aid cuts

Funding Details

  • Small Research Grants (SRGs): £10,000–£25,000

  • Eligible uses:

    • Research assistance

    • Data collection or purchase

    • Travel to field sites, even for secondary data use

    • Research stipends or teaching buyouts

  • PhD researchers may apply under SRGs, or consider the PhD Research Grant call (up to £15,000) for similar activities

Who Is Eligible?

  • Researchers focusing on LMICs

  • PhD students may apply under SRGs or PhD-specific grants

  • Applicants must propose projects aligned with STEG themes or centrally relevant topics

  • Projects outside main themes may also be considered if they address structural transformation

How to Apply / What to Do

  1. Prepare a research proposal addressing STEG themes or centrally relevant issues

  2. Specify project scope, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes

  3. Include budget and justification for research assistance, travel, data acquisition, and stipends

  4. Submit the online application before the deadline

Submission Deadline

  • Tuesday, 6 January 2026, 23:59 GMT

Project Duration

  • Intended to be completed within 12 months

  • Funding decisions within three months, with project start expected within one month

Assessment Criteria

  • Scientific relevance and alignment with STEG themes

  • Innovative methodology and rigor

  • Potential to address cross-cutting issues (gender, climate, inequality)

  • Feasibility of research within budget and timeframe

  • Clarity and organization of the proposal and deliverables

Common Mistakes / Tips

  • Failing to align the proposal with STEG themes or cross-cutting issues

  • Overestimating project scope beyond 12 months

  • Incomplete budget justification for travel, data, or stipends

  • Not detailing methodology or expected impact

  • Submitting late or incomplete applications

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for SRGs?

Researchers studying structural transformation and growth in low- and middle-income countries, including PhD students.

2. What funding is available?

£10,000–£25,000 for SRGs; PhD Research Grants provide up to £15,000.

3. What can the grant cover?

Research assistance, data collection/purchase, travel to field sites, research stipends, or teaching buyouts.

4. Can projects use secondary data only?

Yes, but field visits are encouraged, especially for researchers lacking prior experience in the study countries.

5. What are the project timelines?

SRG projects are intended for completion within 12 months, with funding decisions in about three months post-deadline.

6. Are projects outside the main STEG themes eligible?

Yes, if they are centrally relevant to structural transformation or economic growth.

7. Will unsuccessful applicants receive feedback?

Given high volume, tailored feedback is generally not provided for proposals rejected at the first stage.

Conclusion

The STEG Small Research Grant Program 2026 provides a critical opportunity for researchers to explore structural transformation and economic growth in LMICs, emphasizing gender, climate, and inequality considerations. With funding, mentorship, and travel support, the program enables rigorous, high-impact research to inform policy, development, and global economic understanding.

For more information, visit STEG.