Applications open for Health and SRHR Research Concept (Sweden)

The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) has launched a call for concept notes to support research cooperation partnerships between Swedish organisations and institutions in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) or Ukraine. The programme provides funding of SEK 8 million to SEK 14 million for projects lasting 18–24 months that strengthen research capacity, improve health outcomes, promote sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and increase the impact of scientific knowledge.

What is the Sida Research Cooperation Partnership Call?

The Sida Research Cooperation Partnership Call supports collaborative research initiatives between Swedish research organisations and institutions in LMICs or Ukraine.

The programme aims to strengthen research systems and improve the use of scientific evidence in addressing health challenges.

The initiative focuses on:

Health research
Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)
Research capacity development
Scientific knowledge impact
Equitable international partnerships

The call supports partnerships that create sustainable research capacity and contribute to improved health outcomes in resource-constrained settings.

Objectives of the Programme

The main objectives are to:

Strengthen research capacity in health and SRHR
Support high-quality scientific research
Improve the practical impact of research findings
Promote equitable partnerships between institutions
Support national research and development priorities
Advance gender equality through research
Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration

Key Focus Areas

Strengthening Research Capacity

Projects should help improve:

Research skills
Institutional research systems
Scientific infrastructure
Research management capacity
Training opportunities for researchers

The programme prioritises strengthening research capabilities in LMICs and Ukraine.

Improving Health Outcomes Through Research

Supported initiatives should demonstrate how scientific knowledge can contribute to:

Better healthcare systems
Improved health policies
Evidence-based interventions
Stronger health outcomes

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)

Projects may address issues related to:

Access to healthcare services
Gender equality
Reproductive rights
Health equity
SRHR-related research capacity

Equitable Research Partnerships

The programme encourages partnerships based on:

Shared decision-making
Equal collaboration
Local research leadership
Long-term institutional relationships

Interdisciplinary Research

Projects combining different fields are encouraged, including collaboration between:

Health sciences
Social sciences
Public policy
Technology
Development studies

Collaboration With Development and Private Sector Initiatives

Projects may create connections with:

Development programmes
Innovation initiatives
Private sector partnerships
Other research networks

Funding Information

Sida will support selected initiatives with:

Funding amount: SEK 8 million to SEK 14 million
Project duration: 18 to 24 months
Implementation period: January 2027 to December 2028

Applicants should request funding based on:

Project objectives
Expected results
Planned activities
Available resources

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

Swedish Research Organisations

Examples:

Universities
Research institutions
Scientific organisations

Applicants must have:

Strong links with LMIC institutions or Ukraine
Experience in health or SRHR research
Experience strengthening research capacity

International Organisations

International organisations may apply if they:

Partner with at least one Swedish research institution
Demonstrate relevant research experience
Support research cooperation goals

Consortium Requirements

Applicants must form research partnerships involving:

Swedish organisations
Institutions from LMICs or Ukraine

At least one consortium member must be:

A legal entity
Able to sign an agreement with Sida

Eligible Project Themes

Proposed projects should contribute to areas such as:

Health Research

Examples:

Disease prevention
Healthcare systems
Public health interventions
Health policy research

SRHR Research

Examples:

Reproductive healthcare access
Gender equality
Sexual health services
Rights-based health approaches

Research Capacity Development

Examples:

Research training
Institutional strengthening
Mentorship programmes
Knowledge exchange

Priority Countries

Sida will prioritise projects involving countries where Sweden has bilateral or regional development cooperation.

Priority countries include:

Projects involving other eligible LMICs or Ukraine may also be considered.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a concept note outlining their proposed research cooperation initiative.

Step 1: Develop a Research Partnership Concept

Applicants should explain:

Research objectives
Partner organisations
Target countries
Expected development impact

Step 2: Describe Research Capacity Building

The concept note should include:

How local research capacity will improve
Training activities
Institutional strengthening approaches

Step 3: Explain Expected Impact

Applicants should demonstrate:

How research findings will be used
Potential health improvements
Contribution to policies or practices

Step 4: Submit Concept Note

Applicants must provide:

Partnership details
Research approach
Implementation plan
Budget request
Expected outcomes

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

Research Quality

Reviewers will consider:

Scientific quality
Research methodology
Innovation potential

Capacity Strengthening Impact

Assessment will include:

Benefits for local researchers
Institutional improvements
Long-term sustainability

Partnership Quality

Strong applications should demonstrate:

Equal collaboration
Clear roles and responsibilities
Local ownership

Development Relevance

Projects should align with:

Health priorities
SRHR objectives
National research strategies
Development cooperation goals

Why This Programme Matters

Strong research systems are essential for improving health outcomes and addressing global challenges.

The programme helps countries:

Build sustainable research capacity
Generate locally relevant evidence
Improve healthcare decisions
Strengthen scientific collaboration
Promote equitable global research partnerships

By supporting researchers in LMICs and Ukraine, Sida aims to create long-term improvements in health, knowledge systems, and development outcomes.

Tips for a Strong Concept Note

Applicants should:

Build strong partnerships with local institutions
Clearly define research impact
Explain capacity-building outcomes
Align projects with national priorities
Demonstrate equitable collaboration
Include practical monitoring plans

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Focusing only on Swedish research priorities
Weakly explaining local benefits
Providing unclear partnership roles
Ignoring sustainability after funding ends
Submitting proposals without measurable outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Sida Research Cooperation Partnership Call?

It is a funding opportunity supporting research partnerships between Swedish organisations and institutions in LMICs or Ukraine to strengthen health and SRHR research capacity.

2. How much funding can projects receive?

Selected projects can receive between SEK 8 million and SEK 14 million.

3. How long can funded projects last?

Projects must have a duration of 18 to 24 months.

4. Who can apply?

Swedish universities, research organisations, and eligible international organisations partnering with Swedish research institutions can apply.

5. What research areas are supported?

The programme supports health research, SRHR, interdisciplinary research, and research capacity strengthening.

6. Which countries are prioritised?

Priority is given to countries where Sweden has development cooperation, including Bolivia, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Vietnam.

7. When will funded projects be implemented?

Supported projects are expected to run between January 2027 and December 2028.

Conclusion

The Sida Research Cooperation Partnership Call 2026 provides a major opportunity to strengthen global research collaboration in health and sexual and reproductive health and rights. By supporting equitable partnerships between Swedish institutions, LMIC organisations, and Ukrainian researchers, the programme aims to improve research capacity, increase scientific impact, and contribute to better health outcomes worldwide.