Deadline: 17-Dec-2025

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNICEF, in partnership with Serbia’s Commissariat for Refugees and Migration, are offering research grants to strengthen academic contributions to migration studies. Funded through the Multi-Partner Trust Fund, the program supports data-driven migration policy, focusing on children, vulnerable groups, and the link between migration and development. Eligible state universities in Serbia can apply until August 11, 2026.

Overview

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNICEF, in collaboration with the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia, are implementing a project under the Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF). This initiative aims to strengthen academic research on migration, promote evidence-based migration governance, improve collaboration between state institutions, academic organizations, and civil society, and encourage long-term partnerships with the academic community.
The program, “Promoting Evidence-based Migration Governance for Maximizing Development Potential of Migration,” focuses on enhancing Serbia’s capacity to collect, analyze, and apply comprehensive migration data for policy development.

Key Focus Areas

Research proposals should align with one or more of the following themes:

1. Regular Migration – Studies on legal, organized, and regulated migration flows.

2. Migration of Children & Vulnerable Groups – Research addressing protection, integration, and rights of children and other vulnerable categories.

3. Migration and Development – Understanding the impact of migration on social, economic, and local development.

4. Migration & Public Policy – Evidence-based insights to guide government decisions and policy-making.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants: State universities, faculties, and affiliated institutes in Serbia.
Optional Partners: Private universities or civil society organizations may support certain tasks, especially fieldwork.
Multiple Proposals: Applicants may submit multiple proposals under LOT 1 and LOT 2, but each must have a distinct research team. Overlapping teams will lead to disqualification.

Funding Details

The program offers funding under two LOTs:
LOT 1 – UNICEF-supported: Total funding: 4,180,000 RSD. Project funding range: 1,395,000 – 2,090,000 RSD.
LOT 2 – IOM-supported: Total funding: USD 30,000. Project funding range: USD 10,000 – 15,000 (converted to RSD at contract signing).

Eligible Costs Include: Researcher remuneration, domestic travel and field accommodation, translation and proofreading, printing and consumables, organizing interviews or focus groups.
Ineligible Costs Include: Office rent and utilities, telephone or internet services, seminar or training participation, equipment, furniture, or vehicle purchases, partner allocation exceeding 35% of the total budget.
All research activities must take place within Serbia and comply with ethical standards approved by a relevant Ethics Committee.

How to Apply / How it Works

1. Prepare Proposal: Develop a research plan aligned with the thematic focus areas.

2. Budgeting: Include eligible costs, ensure partner contributions do not exceed limits.

3. Submit Proposal: Ensure formal requirements are met.

4. Evaluation Process: Stage 1: Verification of formal submission requirements. Stage 2: Assessment of applicant and partner eligibility. Stage 3: Detailed proposal evaluation on relevance, methodology, team expertise, policy applicability, and budget justification.

5. Correction Stage: Only selected applicants may correct arithmetic errors or remove ineligible costs without affecting rankings.

6. Project Execution: Conduct research and submit final outputs by May 31, 2026. Any requested revisions must be addressed within 45 days.

Common Mistakes & Tips

Submitting overlapping proposals with the same research team. Including ineligible costs such as equipment or office rent. Ignoring ethical approval requirements. Failing to clearly demonstrate policy relevance of research. Exceeding partner budget limits.
Tip: Clearly define the research methodology, ensure all costs are justified, and highlight policy applicability to improve the chance of selection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can private universities apply as lead institutions? No. Only state universities and faculties in Serbia are eligible as lead applicants. Private universities may participate as partners.

2. What types of research are accepted? The program accepts theoretical, empirical, or desk research. Projects based predominantly on statistical or legal/institutional analysis alone are not accepted.

3. Are international collaborations allowed? Yes, but partners must comply with the 35% budget limit and all activities must take place within Serbia.

4. Can I submit proposals to both LOT 1 and LOT 2? Yes, provided each proposal has a distinct research team. Overlapping teams will result in disqualification.

5. What are the ethical requirements? All research must be approved by a relevant Ethics Committee, with clear explanations of how ethical standards will be upheld.

6. When are final research reports due? By May 31, 2026, with revisions to be submitted within 45 days if requested.

7. How is funding disbursed? Funding is allocated per LOT and must follow eligible cost guidelines. Partner allocations cannot exceed 35% of the approved budget.

Why This Opportunity Matters

This initiative strengthens Serbia’s capacity for data-driven migration governance, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions that enhance social protection, child welfare, and development outcomes. By connecting academia and government, the program fosters long-term partnerships and promotes evidence-based strategies for managing migration effectively.

For more information, visit IOM.