Applications open for Social Research Call 2026 (Spain and Portugal)

Deadline: 22-Jan-2026

The Social Observatory of the ”la Caixa” Foundation invites proposals for socially-oriented, data-driven research projects in Spain and Portugal. Grants of up to €115,000 are available for 24 months, supporting quantitative social science research with strong public engagement and societal impact.

What is the Social Observatory Research Grant?

The Social Observatory of the ”la Caixa” Foundation promotes innovative social science research to study societal changes and their impact. The grant aims to fund projects that produce reliable, evidence-based insights for policymakers and practitioners while fostering a two-way knowledge exchange with communities and non-academic stakeholders.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Conduct research at a public or private university or non-profit research-performing organization legally based in Spain or Portugal.

• Hold a PhD awarded at least two years before the call deadline.

• Serve as the sole project leader and submit only one proposal per call.
  Applicants of any nationality are eligible as long as they meet the above criteria.

Focus Areas and Priorities

The grant funds projects that:

• Conduct quantitative, data-driven social science research.

• Address socially relevant issues with clear implications for communities and policymakers.

• Integrate public engagement from project inception, involving non-academic stakeholders.

• Focus on Spain and/or Portugal.
  Excluded proposals include purely theoretical studies, literature reviews, non-empirical work, or continuations of previously funded projects.

Funding Details

• Maximum funding: €115,000 per project.

• Project duration: up to 24 months.

• Eligible direct costs: salaries for project leader, researchers, and staff; travel; goods and services; subcontracting; equipment.

• Maximum 10% of the grant can be used as additional remuneration for the project leader.

• Indirect costs: up to 10% of total direct costs for overheads.

How the Program Works

1. Phase 1: Submit a short proposal.

2. Phase 2: Selected applicants submit a full proposal including budget, work plan, and expertise documents.

3. All proposals must be anonymous, written in English, and adhere strictly to formatting and submission requirements.

4. Funded projects implement quantitative social science research with a strong public engagement plan.

5. Outputs include a peer-reviewed scientific article, a lay-audience dissemination article, and participation in Social Observatory knowledge-brokering activities.

Why It Matters

The grant emphasizes social research as a driver of human progress, aiming to:

• Improve understanding of current and emerging social issues.

• Strengthen communities and societal resilience.

• Inform evidence-based policymaking.

• Build bridges between researchers, stakeholders, and the public.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

• Ensure empirical, data-driven research methodology using existing or newly generated data, internet data, or GIS.

• Clearly define societal relevance and potential impact on communities or policy.

• Include a two-way public engagement strategy from project inception.

• Present a feasible and well-structured work plan aligned with the grant’s objectives.

• Adhere strictly to formatting, anonymity, and submission requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting purely theoretical or literature-based proposals.

• Continuing already funded research without new objectives.

• Failing to include a clear public engagement plan.

• Missing strict formatting, language, or anonymity requirements.

• Exceeding allowable budget or misallocating costs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply? Researchers with a PhD affiliated with public/private universities or non-profit research organizations in Spain or Portugal.

2. What is the maximum funding? €115,000 per project.

3. How long can projects last? Up to 24 months.

4. What types of research are eligible? Quantitative, data-driven social science projects focused on socially relevant issues.

5. Are public engagement activities required? Yes, projects must involve non-academic stakeholders from the beginning.

6. Can proposals be theoretical or literature reviews? No, only empirical, innovative research proposals are accepted.

7. What outputs are expected? Peer-reviewed scientific article, dissemination article for lay audiences, and participation in knowledge-brokering activities.

Conclusion

The Social Observatory of the ”la Caixa” Foundation research grant provides an opportunity to advance innovative, data-driven social science projects in Spain and Portugal. By emphasizing public engagement, societal impact, and rigorous quantitative research, the initiative strengthens the bridge between academic knowledge and real-world policy and community applications.

For more information, visit ”la Caixa” Foundation.