CFPs: Urban Urgencies Collaborative Research Funding Initiative

Deadline: 23-Mar-2026

The Urban Studies Foundation has announced a funding program for collaborative research projects addressing urgent urban challenges. Each project can receive up to £35,000 to conduct innovative, primary research that bridges academic and non-academic partnerships and contributes to contemporary urban studies.

The Urban Studies Foundation (USF) has introduced a new research funding initiative called Urban Urgencies. This program is designed to support collaborative primary research projects that address pressing contemporary urban challenges. Key focus areas include:

• Collaborative research between academic and non-academic organisations

• Innovative, timely contributions to urban studies scholarship

• Original primary research addressing urgent urban issues

• Stimulating scholarly debate and dialogue within urban studies
  The program aims to seed-fund up to six projects, with each eligible for up to £35,000. Funded projects are expected to start within nine months of the application deadline and run for up to eighteen months.

What the Funding Supports

Projects should clearly demonstrate relevance to the field of urban studies and:

• Address urgent urban challenges, such as housing, mobility, sustainability, or social inequality

• Include innovative primary research methods

• Engage both academic and non-academic stakeholders

• Contribute to current debates in urban studies
  Supported activities can include field research, data collection, workshops, or collaborative events that enhance understanding of urban issues.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility requirements include:

• A minimum of two and a maximum of three co-applicants

• At least one academic specializing in urban studies

• At least one co-applicant from a non-academic partner organisation

• At least one applicant must hold a secure position with the primary host organisation administering the grant

• Applicants may be based anywhere in the world, subject to these conditions

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a detailed proposal that includes:

1. Project Overview: Clearly define objectives, research questions, and urban relevance

2. Methodology: Describe the primary research approach and collaboration strategy

3. Activities and Timeline: Outline tasks, milestones, and expected start/end dates

4. Expected Outcomes: Explain the potential academic and societal impact

5. Bibliography: Include a references section (within word count)
   Submission Tips:

• Follow strict word limits and clearly structured headings

• Ensure all collaborators are explicitly named and roles defined

• Highlight innovative aspects and urgency of the research topic

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to include both academic and non-academic co-applicants

• Submitting a proposal without a clearly defined methodology

• Ignoring the word count or structural requirements

• Proposing projects outside the scope of urban studies

• Not specifying expected outcomes or societal impact

Why This Funding Matters

Urban challenges are increasingly complex and urgent. This funding:

• Promotes interdisciplinary collaboration

• Encourages evidence-based urban policy and practice

• Bridges academic research with real-world urban interventions

• Fosters innovative solutions to pressing urban problems

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much funding is available per project? Each project can receive up to £35,000.
2. What is the maximum duration of funded projects? Projects can run for up to 18 months, starting within nine months of the application deadline.
3. Can applicants be from different countries? Yes, global applicants are eligible, provided they meet co-applicant requirements.
4. How many co-applicants are required? Each proposal must have 2–3 co-applicants, including at least one academic and one non-academic partner.
5. What type of research is eligible? Only primary, original research addressing urgent urban issues is eligible.
6. Is a secure position required? Yes, at least one applicant must hold a secure position with the host organisation.
7. Are non-academic partners mandatory? Yes, proposals must include at least one non-academic collaborator.

Conclusion

The Urban Urgencies funding initiative is a unique opportunity for researchers to tackle pressing urban challenges through innovative, collaborative, and primary research. By combining academic expertise with non-academic insights, these projects can generate new knowledge, influence urban policy, and stimulate meaningful dialogue in urban studies. This funding encourages timely, original, and impactful research—a critical step toward addressing the complex urban issues of today.

For more information, visit Urban Studies Foundation.