Call for Proposals: Hinrich Foundation Research Funding Program

The Hinrich Foundation invites researchers and institutions to submit trade-focused research proposals addressing global trade issues such as governance, supply chains, FDI, digital trade, and sustainability. Selected projects receive funding, mentorship, and publication support, with outputs including white papers and articles. Proposals are accepted twice a year, with the next submission deadline on May 31, 2026.

Overview

The Hinrich Foundation supports high-quality research projects that advance understanding of global trade and inform policy development. The program encourages individual researchers and research organizations to explore complex trade-related topics that are critical to economic development, innovation, and global competitiveness.

Focus Areas

Key themes for research include:

• Trade governance and policy frameworks

• Geopolitics of trade

• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

• Supply chain resilience and security

• Digital trade and technology adoption

• Trade and environmental sustainability

• Workforce development in trade-related sectors

• Industrial competitiveness and economic development

• Natural resources and trade

• Trade logistics and services

Who Can Apply?

• Individual researchers with expertise in trade and economics

• Research teams from universities, think tanks, or policy institutions

• Scholars with prior experience in empirical or theoretical trade research

Applicants should clearly present credentials, expertise, and a synopsis of their proposed study. Both new research projects and summaries of existing work may be submitted.

Research Proposal Requirements

Proposals must include:

1. Researcher/Team Details: Name, affiliations, and credentials

2. Project Synopsis:

   • Clear objectives and scope

   • Two to four key research questions

   • Methodology: primary data collection, secondary data analysis, or both

3. Deliverables: White papers (~4,000 words) and/or articles (~1,600 words)

4. Timeline: Recommended completion within four months

5. Progress Updates: Interim updates and preliminary article submissions may be requested

How It Works / Application Process

1. Prepare Proposal: Ensure alignment with the Foundation’s focus areas and specify research methods and deliverables

2. Submit Proposal: Submit before the deadline of May 31, 2026

3. Review Process: Submissions are reviewed and shortlisted twice per year

4. Funding & Publication: Selected projects receive negotiated funding, mentorship, and editorial support; outputs may be published as white papers or articles

5. Completion: Researchers provide interim updates and final deliverables within the agreed timeline

Why This Program Matters

• Encourages actionable research that informs global trade policy

• Strengthens analytical understanding of complex trade dynamics

• Enhances visibility and credibility of researchers in international trade discourse

• Provides a platform for collaboration with other trade experts and policymakers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to specify research methodology clearly

• Omitting key research questions or objectives

• Submitting incomplete credentials or team information

• Ignoring the recommended completion timeline of four months

• Not adhering to the word limits for articles and white papers

FAQ

What types of research are eligible?
Projects focused on global trade issues, including governance, FDI, supply chains, digital trade, sustainability, workforce, and logistics.

Who can submit proposals?
Individual researchers or research teams from universities, think tanks, or research institutions with expertise in trade-related fields.

What are the deliverables?
White papers (~4,000 words) and/or articles (~1,600 words), subject to editorial review.

Is there a funding limit?
Funding is negotiable and typically disbursed upon completion of the research project.

What is the expected project duration?
Recommended completion within four months from the point of commission.

Can existing research be submitted?
Yes, summaries or overviews of previously published or ongoing research can be proposed.

When is the next deadline?
May 31, 2026

Conclusion

The Hinrich Foundation International Trade Research Program provides a timely platform for researchers to explore pressing global trade issues and contribute to evidence-based policy development. With funding, mentorship, and publication support, the program enables scholars to produce impactful research that informs trade practices and decision-making worldwide.