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Apply for GDPC Spotlight Research Grants Program

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Deadline: 31-Jul-2026

The Global Disaster Preparedness Center (GDPC) Spotlight Research Grants support original research on ethical, accountable, and humane use of technology in humanitarian action, including AI and ICTs. The program focuses on low- and middle-income countries and funds research on community needs, digital realities, and data protection. Selected researchers receive $10,000 USD for projects lasting up to eight months.

GDPC Spotlight Research Grants Overview

The Spotlight Research Grants Program is an initiative by the Global Disaster Preparedness Center in partnership with the French Red Cross Foundation.

It supports research on the principled, ethical, and accountable use of technology in humanitarian action, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

The program explores how technologies such as ICTs and artificial intelligence can be used responsibly to address humanitarian challenges.

Purpose of the Program

The grant aims to:

  • Strengthen understanding of ethical technology use in humanitarian contexts
  • Promote responsible and humane application of ICTs and AI
  • Expand evidence on technology-driven humanitarian solutions
  • Support innovation while reducing risks in vulnerable communities
  • Inform policy, planning, and humanitarian programming

Key focus: Responsible humanitarian technology
The program emphasizes that technology must be critically assessed, ensuring it does not automatically assume positive impact.

Research Topics

Applicants must align their proposals with one of the following priority areas:

Community Needs & Digital Realities

  • Understanding how communities experience digital tools
  • Identifying gaps in access, inclusion, and usability

ICT Solution Feasibility & Implementation

  • Evaluating whether digital solutions can be realistically applied
  • Studying implementation challenges in humanitarian settings

Data Protection in Humanitarian Action

  • Ensuring privacy, security, and ethical data handling
  • Reducing risks related to digital surveillance or misuse of data

Funding Information

  • Grant amount: $10,000 USD per project
  • Duration: Up to 8 months
  • Research timeline: 1 November 2026 – 30 June 2027
  • Final submission deadline: 30 June 2027

Key notes:

  • Research must be original
  • Plagiarism leads to immediate disqualification
  • Research can be conducted in English or French
  • Final outputs must be submitted in English or French
  • Translation costs can be included in budget if needed

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be affiliated with an accredited university at time of submission
  • Includes PhD candidates, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty members
  • Teams of researchers are allowed

Eligible Applicants and Disciplines

  • Researchers from social sciences and humanities
  • Examples include:
    • Sociology
    • Anthropology
    • Law
    • Human geography
    • Management studies
    • Psychology
    • Behavioral sciences

Geographic Eligibility

  • Applicants must be nationals of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
  • Research must focus on LMIC contexts
  • Must align with the program’s eligible country list

Proposal Requirements

Proposals must:

  • Be led by LMIC-based researchers
  • Use community-based or participatory research methods
  • Produce outputs accessible to local stakeholders
  • Include applied research outputs beyond academic publications
  • Critically evaluate technology rather than assume benefits

Mandatory Supporting Document

  • Letter of support from a local stakeholder
    • Must show intended use of research outcomes
    • Must demonstrate policy, program, or advocacy relevance

How the Grant Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Identify research topic
Select one focus area:

  • Community needs & digital realities
  • ICT feasibility & implementation
  • Data protection in humanitarian action

Step 2: Develop research proposal
Include objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.

Step 3: Ensure eligibility
Confirm:

  • LMIC nationality requirement
  • University affiliation
  • Feasible 8-month timeline

Step 4: Engage stakeholders
Obtain a letter of support from a relevant local partner.

Step 5: Prepare budget
Include research costs and optional translation services.

Step 6: Submit application
Ensure originality and alignment with program priorities.

Step 7: Implementation period
Conduct research between November 2026 and June 2027.

Why This Grant Matters

This program strengthens humanitarian innovation by:

  • Promoting ethical use of AI and ICTs
  • Supporting evidence-based humanitarian policy
  • Centering local and LMIC perspectives
  • Encouraging responsible digital transformation
  • Protecting vulnerable communities from digital harm

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Assuming technology is inherently beneficial
  • Submitting research outside LMIC focus
  • Missing university affiliation requirement
  • Not including stakeholder letter of support
  • Producing purely academic outputs without community relevance
  • Exceeding 8-month feasibility timeline
  • Plagiarism or unoriginal research content

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Focus on real community digital challenges
  • Use participatory or community-based methods
  • Clearly define ethical considerations
  • Include practical, policy-relevant outcomes
  • Ensure strong stakeholder engagement early
  • Demonstrate feasibility within 8 months

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the GDPC Spotlight Research Grants?

Researchers affiliated with accredited universities, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and faculty members.

2. What is the funding amount?

Each successful project receives $10,000 USD.

3. What countries are eligible?

Only researchers from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with research focused on those contexts.

4. What is the duration of the project?

Projects must be completed within 8 months.

5. What topics can I research?

Community digital needs, ICT implementation feasibility, or data protection in humanitarian action.

6. Is collaboration allowed?

Yes, research teams are permitted.

7. What is required in the proposal?

A research plan, stakeholder letter of support, methodology, budget, and clear LMIC relevance.

Conclusion

The GDPC Spotlight Research Grants support high-impact research on the ethical and responsible use of technology in humanitarian settings. By focusing on LMIC contexts, the program ensures that digital innovation is inclusive, evidence-based, and grounded in real community needs.

It plays a critical role in shaping safer, more accountable humanitarian technologies that protect vulnerable populations while improving response systems globally.

For more information, visit GDPC.

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