RFPs: Cooperation Development Research Grant Programme (Austria)

The Agency for Education and Internationalization invites applications for the KoEF Cooperation Development Research Grant Programme, designed to foster international research partnerships between Austrian institutions and those in the Global South. The programme funds projects that address sustainable development challenges, promote knowledge exchange, and strengthen long-term collaboration aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Overview

The KoEF programme supports collaborative research initiatives that enhance institutional capacities, improve quality of life in partner countries, and facilitate equitable international knowledge exchange. Funding is aimed at promoting sustainable, impactful, and innovative research partnerships.

Who is Eligible?

• Project coordinator must hold a PhD and be affiliated with an Austrian public university or research-performing institution.

• Participating researchers must be PhD students or PhD holders.

• Projects require collaboration between at least one Austrian institution and one institution in an eligible Global South country.

• Projects can be newly conceptualized or build upon previous projects with substantially different research questions or methodologies.

Objectives and Key Priorities

• Strengthen international research collaboration to address development challenges.

• Foster long-term partnerships beyond individual project cycles.

• Promote equitable involvement of all partners and integrate diverse methodologies and knowledge systems.

• Support mutual learning through mandatory research stays in both partner countries.

• Align project goals with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Funding Details

• Maximum funding: €40,000 per project

• Project duration: 24 months

• Funding disbursed in phases based on approved reports

• Eligible expenses:

  • Travel and allowances for incoming and outgoing mobility

  • Essential material costs within defined limits

• Applicants must show secured own funds in the financing plan as the grant does not cover all costs

Proposal Requirements

1. Project Proposal: Clear objectives, research plan, methodology, expected outcomes, and alignment with SDGs

2. Abstract: Concise summary of the project aims and significance

3. Financing Plan: Detailed budget showing own funds and eligible expenses

4. CV of Project Coordinator: Demonstrating qualifications and relevant experience

5. Letters of Endorsement: From all participating institutions

Selection and Evaluation Process

• Eligibility check conducted by the Agency

• Independent peer review assessing:

  • Scientific quality and innovation

  • Strength of partnerships and collaboration

  • Alignment with SDGs

  • Expected results and sustainability

  • Risk management strategies

• Successful projects are expected to generate:

  • Ongoing collaboration between institutions

  • Joint publications

  • Future initiatives contributing to global development goals

How to Apply

1. Prepare all required documents using KoEF templates.

2. Submit applications in English via the StipOnline portal.

3. Ensure project plans include mandatory research stays at both partner institutions.

4. Await formal eligibility confirmation, followed by the review process.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Highlight innovative approaches and impact potential on partner communities.

• Demonstrate equitable partnership and knowledge exchange.

• Ensure clear alignment with SDGs.

• Include confirmed participation of partner institutions and researchers.

• Detail realistic budget and financing plan reflecting secured funds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects without mandatory research stays

• Overlooking partner institution participation letters

• Not clearly demonstrating SDG alignment

• Exceeding or misallocating eligible expenses

• Failing to provide a complete financing plan

FAQ

1. Can projects be extensions of previous research? Yes, if they address substantially different research questions or methods.

2. Is prior publication required? No, it is not mandatory.

3. What types of expenses are covered? Travel, mobility allowances, and essential materials within the defined limits.

4. Who can serve as the project coordinator? A PhD holder affiliated with an Austrian public university or research-performing institution.

5. Are projects required to have in-country research? Yes, mandatory research stays in both partner countries are required.

6. What happens if reporting requirements are not met? Failure may result in termination and recovery of funds.

7. Is the grant sufficient to fully fund projects? No, applicants must demonstrate secured own funds as the grant is partial funding.

Conclusion

The KoEF Cooperation Development Research Grant Programme offers a strategic opportunity for Austrian and Global South institutions to collaborate on impactful research addressing development challenges. By fostering equitable partnerships, knowledge exchange, and alignment with the SDGs, the programme strengthens institutional capacities and contributes to sustainable, long-term solutions for global development.