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3rd Call for ReCIPE Big Research Grant Program

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Deadline: 11-Aug-2026

The ReCIPE Big Research Grant Program provides third-call Big Research Grants of up to £100,000 for research on the relationship between conflict, economic growth and public policy. The program supports large-scale, policy-relevant research projects that examine peace, institutions, investments, climate change, natural resources, information systems, inequality and conflict.

The grant is open to researchers, including PhD students, with strong experience in large-scale research and data collection. Proposals must show clear policy relevance to ReCIPE Focus Countries, and multidisciplinary teams are strongly encouraged.

Program Overview

The ReCIPE Big Research Grant Program supports research that improves understanding of how conflict affects economic growth, public policy and development outcomes.

This third call for Big Research Grants is designed for larger research projects that cannot be supported through smaller Compact Research Grants.

The program aims to generate strong evidence on how conflict interacts with policy environments, economic systems and institutions, especially in ReCIPE Focus Countries.

Funding Amount

The Big Research Grants provide funding of up to £100,000 per project.

This funding is intended for large-scale research that requires significant resources, including data collection, research support, fieldwork or advanced analysis.

Key Research Focus Areas

The program supports research on conflict, peace, economic development and public policy.

Priority focus areas include:

What the Grant Supports

Funding may be used for research activities that are necessary to complete a large and policy-relevant project.

Eligible costs may include:

Projects using secondary data may also include Field engagement if the proposal clearly explains why it is necessary.

Applicants must include clear safety and security considerations when fieldwork or field engagement is involved.

Who is Eligible?

The program is open to researchers, including PhD students.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate experience in:

Eligibility for PhD Students

PhD students are eligible to apply.

However, PhD applicants are encouraged to collaborate with senior co-investigators. This can strengthen the proposal by improving research feasibility, technical quality and project management capacity.

A senior co-investigator can also help demonstrate that the team has the experience needed to manage a large-scale research project.

Policy Relevance Requirement

All proposals must show clear relevance to public policy in ReCIPE Focus Countries.

A strong proposal should explain:

Applications focused outside ReCIPE Focus Countries must strongly justify their policy relevance.

Why Multidisciplinary Teams Are Encouraged

The program strongly encourages multidisciplinary research teams.

This is especially important for projects that combine:

Conflict, economic growth and public policy are complex issues. Multidisciplinary teams can provide stronger analysis by combining different methods, evidence and perspectives.

Budget Requirements

Applicants must prepare budgets that comply with the ReCIPE BRG Budget Guidelines.

Budgets should be realistic, efficient and directly linked to the proposed research activities.

Cost efficiency and value for money are key assessment criteria.

A strong budget should:

How to Apply or Prepare a Strong Proposal

Applicants should develop a clear, rigorous and policy-relevant research proposal.

Step 1: Check the Program Fit

Confirm that the project directly relates to conflict, economic growth and public policy.

The proposal should connect to one or more of the program’s priority research areas.

Step 2: Define the Research Question

Develop a clear research question that addresses an important policy issue.

The question should explain what the project will study and why it matters.

Step 3: Explain Policy Relevance

Show how the research can inform public policy in ReCIPE Focus Countries.

Applicants should explain who could use the findings and how the evidence could support better decision-making.

Step 4: Build a Strong Research Team

Create a team with the skills needed to complete a large research project.

PhD applicants should consider working with senior researchers or co-investigators.

Step 5: Design a Strong Methodology

The proposal should include a clear and realistic research methodology.

Possible approaches may include:

The methodology should match the research question and be feasible within the proposed timeline and budget.

Step 6: Address Fieldwork and Safety

If the project includes fieldwork or field engagement, the proposal must explain safety and security arrangements.

This is especially important for research in conflict-affected or fragile settings.

Step 7: Prepare a Detailed Budget

The budget must follow ReCIPE BRG Budget Guidelines.

Each cost should be justified and clearly connected to the research plan.

Step 8: Show Expected Policy Contribution

Explain how the project will contribute to evidence, policy learning and practical decision-making.

A strong proposal should show how the findings can support peace, development and better governance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid the following mistakes:

Tips for a Competitive Application

A competitive proposal should:

Why the ReCIPE Big Research Grant Program Matters

The ReCIPE Big Research Grant Program supports evidence-based research on some of the most important challenges facing conflict-affected and developing contexts.

By funding research on peace, economic growth, institutions, public policy and inequality, the program helps build knowledge that can guide better decisions.

The grant is especially important for researchers working on policy-relevant questions in ReCIPE Focus Countries, where stronger evidence can support peacebuilding, reconstruction and sustainable development.

FAQ

1. What is the ReCIPE Big Research Grant Program?

The ReCIPE Big Research Grant Program supports large-scale research on the relationship between conflict, economic growth and public policy.

2. How much funding is available?

The program provides funding of up to £100,000 per project.

3. What topics does the program support?

The program supports research on peace policies, investments, institutions, democracy, geoeconomics, climate change, natural resources, information systems, social media, public opinion, big data, ethnic diversity, peacebuilding, reconstruction, gender, inequality and conflict.

4. Who can apply?

Researchers, including PhD students, can apply. Applicants should demonstrate experience in large-scale research and data collection.

5. Can PhD students apply?

Yes. PhD students are eligible, but they are encouraged to collaborate with senior co-investigators to improve feasibility and competitiveness.

6. What costs can the grant cover?

Funding may be used for research assistance, data collection, data acquisition, stipends and travel for fieldwork. Field engagement may also be supported when clearly justified.

7. Do proposals need to focus on ReCIPE Focus Countries?

Yes. Proposals must show clear policy relevance to ReCIPE Focus Countries. Projects outside these regions must strongly justify their relevance to the program’s policy objectives.

Conclusion

The ReCIPE Big Research Grant Program provides up to £100,000 for large-scale research on conflict, economic growth and public policy.

The program is best suited for researchers with strong experience, clear policy questions and rigorous research designs. Applicants should demonstrate relevance to ReCIPE Focus Countries, prepare cost-efficient budgets and show how their findings can inform public policy, peacebuilding and economic development.

For more information, visit Growth Research Platform.

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