Deadline: 15-May-2026
The SHAPE-SEA Research Grant Scheme funds research on human rights and peace in Southeast Asia, offering up to THB 150,000 for emerging scholars and smaller grants for Master’s and PhD students. It supports projects on digital rights, climate justice, democracy, migration, and gender inclusion. The program aims to strengthen regional research capacity and amplify voices of marginalized communities.
Overview
The SHAPE-SEA Research Grant Scheme is a regional funding program designed to support high-quality research on human rights and peace in Southeast Asia.
It provides financial, technical, and academic support to students and emerging scholars working on critical and underexplored issues affecting vulnerable communities across the region.
Key Focus Areas
The program prioritizes research in the following thematic areas:
- Digital rights and online freedoms
- Climate justice and environmental rights
- Democracy and governance
- Migration and displacement
- Peace and security
- Gender equality and inclusivity
These themes reflect pressing human rights challenges in ASEAN and Southeast Asia.
Objectives of the Grant
The scheme aims to:
- Strengthen research capacity in Southeast Asia
- Promote evidence-based knowledge production
- Support research on marginalized and underrepresented groups
- Encourage cross-country and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Contribute to policy and advocacy on human rights and peace
Grant Categories and Funding
1. Students (M.A. and PhD)
- M.A. Students: Up to THB 35,000
- PhD Students: Up to THB 70,000
2. Emerging Scholars
- Funding: Up to THB 150,000 per project
Duration
- Projects must be completed within 6–7 months
Eligible Expenses
Funding supports:
- Data collection
- Fieldwork and research activities
- Data analysis
- Thesis-related research work
What the Grant Supports
The program supports:
- Empirical and field-based research
- Studies focusing on vulnerable or marginalized communities
- Cross-country or comparative research projects
- Interdisciplinary and collaborative research
Who is Eligible?
Students Category
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of Southeast Asian countries
- Be enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program in the region
- Maintain student status throughout the grant period
- Have progressed sufficiently in their research
Emerging Scholars Category
Applicants must:
- Be scholars or academics based in Southeast Asia
- Have up to 5 years of academic experience
For Individual Applicants
- Must be Southeast Asian citizens
For Collaborative Projects
- Must have a Southeast Asian lead researcher
- Lead must be affiliated with a regional institution
- Teams can include up to 3 members
Why This Grant Matters
This program addresses key gaps in research and policy by:
- Supporting studies on overlooked human rights issues
- Amplifying voices of marginalized communities
- Strengthening regional academic networks
- Encouraging evidence-based policymaking
It is particularly valuable for early-career researchers seeking funding and visibility.
How the Grant Works
Program Structure
- Submission of research proposal
- Selection based on relevance and quality
- Funding and technical support provided
- Research implementation (6–7 months)
- Final outputs and reporting
Selection Criteria
- Relevance to thematic areas
- Research quality and methodology
- Feasibility within timeframe
- Potential impact on human rights and peace
- Inclusion of marginalized perspectives
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Process
- Identify your research topic aligned with program themes
- Choose the appropriate category (Student or Emerging Scholar)
- Prepare a research proposal including:
- Research objectives
- Methodology
- Timeline
- Expected outcomes
- Highlight focus on marginalized communities
- Submit the application through the official SHAPE-SEA platform
What to Emphasize
- Strong and clear research question
- Practical relevance to Southeast Asia
- Feasible methodology within 6–7 months
- Contribution to human rights knowledge
- Interdisciplinary or cross-country perspectives
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on real-world impact and policy relevance
- Use clear and structured research design
- Highlight originality and innovation
- Show awareness of regional context
- Include ethical considerations in research
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting vague or overly broad proposals
- Lack of clear methodology
- Ignoring marginalized or vulnerable groups
- Unrealistic timelines
- Weak alignment with thematic priorities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the SHAPE-SEA Research Grant Scheme?
It is a funding program supporting research on human rights and peace in Southeast Asia.
2. How much funding is available?
Up to THB 150,000 for emerging scholars, and smaller amounts for students.
3. Who can apply?
Southeast Asian students (M.A./PhD) and emerging scholars with up to 5 years of experience.
4. Can collaborative projects apply?
Yes, with a Southeast Asian lead researcher and up to three team members.
5. What topics are supported?
Digital rights, climate justice, democracy, migration, peace, and gender inclusivity.
6. What is the project duration?
Projects must be completed within 6–7 months.
7. What is the main goal of the grant?
To strengthen research capacity and produce impactful knowledge on human rights and peace.
Conclusion
The SHAPE-SEA Research Grant Scheme is a valuable opportunity for students and early-career researchers to conduct impactful research on human rights and peace in Southeast Asia.
With targeted funding, regional focus, and support for marginalized perspectives, it helps build a stronger, more inclusive research ecosystem while contributing to meaningful policy and social change.
For more information, visit Shape-SEA.
