Second Call for Compact Research Grant Program

The ReCIPE Compact Research Grants support policy-focused research on how economic growth and public policies influence conflict and peace in low- and middle-income countries. Grants of £10,000–£25,000 fund rigorous, economics-grounded projects that deliver actionable insights for fragile and conflict-affected contexts.

Programme Overview

The Reducing Conflict and Improving Performance in the Economy (ReCIPE) Programme invites applications for its second call for Compact Research Grants. The programme funds high-quality, policy-relevant research that examines the interaction between economic growth, public policy, conflict, and peace, with a strong focus on low- and middle-income countries and fragile contexts. ReCIPE is explicitly designed to bridge academic research and real-world policy decision-making.

Core Research Focus

ReCIPE prioritises research that is firmly grounded in economics while remaining open to multidisciplinary approaches from other social sciences. Projects must be question-driven, analytically rigorous, and clearly aligned with policy debates. The overarching aim is to identify economic policies that can reduce conflict, strengthen institutions, and support sustainable peace.

Priority Themes

Proposals should align with one or more of the following themes: institutions and governance; public and private investment and peace; climate change, natural resources and conflict; information, data generation and conflict dynamics; ethnic diversity and nation-building; gender inequality and conflict; and broader issues linking economic growth, fragility, and peacebuilding.

Funding Amount and Duration

Compact Research Grants range from £10,000 to £25,000 per project. All funded projects must be completed within a maximum duration of 12 months, making this scheme suitable for tightly scoped, policy-relevant research with clear outputs.

What the Grant Can Fund

Grant funding may be used for research assistance, data collection or purchase, stipends, and travel to field sites. Travel and fieldwork are eligible even for projects primarily using secondary data, provided that activities are well justified, cost-effective, and demonstrate strong value for money. All budget items must be clearly itemised and aligned with the proposed research plan.

Who Is Eligible?

Applications are open to researchers worldwide, including PhD students who are currently enrolled in a doctoral programme. PhD applicants must submit a formal letter of support from their supervisor as part of the application requirements. Projects must demonstrate strong relevance to policy debates in ReCIPE Focus Countries. Proposals focused on other contexts must clearly explain how findings will inform policy in at least one Focus Country.

Policy Relevance and Geographic Scope

A central requirement is policy relevance for ReCIPE Focus Countries. Research conducted outside these countries must present a compelling case for how results will contribute to policy learning and decision-making within them. ReCIPE strongly values research that engages directly with policymakers and development practitioners.

Fieldwork, Ethics, and Risk Management

Projects involving in-country research in conflict or post-conflict environments face additional scrutiny. Applicants must address feasibility, security and safety risks, ethical considerations, and outline contingency plans for delays or restrictions on fieldwork. All fieldwork must comply with university ethical clearance requirements and, where possible, local or national institutional review boards.

Selection and Evaluation Criteria

Proposals are evaluated based on research quality and originality, policy relevance, feasibility within the 12-month timeframe, value for money, and contribution to expanding the evidence base at the intersection of economics, conflict, and peace. Funding decisions are typically communicated within three months of the call deadline.

Reporting and Expected Outputs

Successful applicants are required to follow a structured reporting process, including interim and final narrative reports, detailed financial documentation, and dissemination outputs. All projects must produce a policy-oriented research brief suitable for the ReCIPE Research Note series, ensuring findings are accessible to non-academic audiences.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applications are often weakened by vague policy relevance, insufficient linkage to economic growth and policy literature, unrealistic timelines, or underdeveloped risk mitigation plans for fieldwork in fragile settings. Missing supervisor support letters for PhD applicants will result in disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the funding range for Compact Research Grants?
Grants range from £10,000 to £25,000 per project.
Who can apply?
Researchers worldwide may apply, including current PhD students with supervisor support.
How long can projects run?
All projects must be completed within 12 months.
Can the grant fund fieldwork and travel?
Yes, provided activities are justified, cost-effective, and aligned with the research design.
Are projects outside ReCIPE Focus Countries eligible?
Yes, but they must clearly demonstrate policy relevance for one or more Focus Countries.
What outputs are required?
Interim and final reports, financial documentation, and a policy-focused research brief are mandatory.

Conclusion

The ReCIPE Compact Research Grants provide targeted support for rigorous, policy-driven research that deepens understanding of how economic growth and public policy shape conflict and peace. By prioritising feasibility, value for money, and real-world policy engagement, the programme aims to generate evidence that informs effective economic strategies in fragile and conflict-affected settings.