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RFPs: Pau Casals UNESCO Chair Research Grant Program

Deadline: 12-Apr-2026

The Pau Casals UNESCO Chair Research Grant Program 2026 provides €2,000 to support early-stage research projects exploring music, culture, peace, democracy, and human rights. Open to applicants of any nationality, the program supports university-linked research aligned with the legacy of Pablo Casals and contemporary social justice themes. Applications close on April 12, 2026, with final research results due by May 2, 2027.

Program Overview

The Pau Casals UNESCO Chair Research Grant Program supports early-stage academic research at the intersection of music, culture, and humanistic values linked to peace and social justice.

The program is led by the Pau Casals UNESCO Chair, in collaboration with the Pau Casals Foundation, the UOC, and archival partners including the National Archive of Catalonia.

The 2026 call marks the fourth edition of this research grant program.

Funding Amount and Benefits

Each selected project receives:

  • €2,000 financial endowment

  • Payment in one installment after submission of the final research work

In addition to financial support, beneficiaries receive:

  • Academic guidance and mentorship

  • Dissemination and publication opportunities

  • Access to archival resources

  • Support for future publications through the Chair and partner institutions

Research Focus Areas

Projects must align with at least one of the following thematic areas:

1. Musical Legacy of Pablo Casals

Research may explore the legacy of Pablo Casals as:

  • Performer

  • Conductor

  • Composer

  • Teacher

2. Humanistic Legacy of Pablo Casals

Topics may include contemporary interpretations of:

3. Culture for Peace and Social Justice

Research addressing:

  • Culture as a tool for peacebuilding

  • Human rights advocacy

  • Democratic values

  • Social justice movements

4. Music and Intangible Cultural Heritage

Projects exploring:

  • Music and culture as intangible heritage

  • Social cohesion and multicultural dialogue

  • Conflict prevention

  • Alignment with the 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy

The 2026 call is not strictly limited to Pablo Casals as an individual figure. Broader proposals connected to his values and global cultural impact are welcome.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

Age and Nationality

  • Must be of legal age

  • Open to all nationalities

Academic Link

Projects must be linked to:

  • A university

  • A higher education institution

  • A recognized research group

Eligible academic levels include:

  • Bachelor’s research

  • Master’s thesis

  • Postgraduate research

  • Doctoral research

Project Stage

  • Proposals must be at an early stage of development

  • Previously awarded or completed projects are not eligible

Language Requirements

Applications and research projects must be submitted in:

  • Catalan

  • Spanish

  • English

Required Application Documents

All documents must be combined into a single PDF file and submitted online.

Applicants must include:

  1. Personal information

  2. Academic background

  3. Research information

  4. Detailed research proposal

  5. Curriculum Vitae

  6. Motivation letter

  7. Project description

Incomplete or improperly formatted submissions may be disqualified.

Selection Criteria

A selection committee appointed by the Pau Casals UNESCO Chair evaluates applications based on:

  • Alignment with the Chair’s objectives

  • Originality of the proposal

  • Methodological clarity

  • Academic rigor and research potential

  • Candidate profile

  • Publication prospects

Preference is given to projects that can utilize the Pau Casals Collection housed at the National Archive of Catalonia.

Important Dates

  • Call opens: 2026 (Fourth Edition)

  • Application deadline: April 12, 2026, at 11:59 pm

  • Results announced: Before May 11, 2026

  • Final research submission deadline: May 2, 2027

Late submissions are not accepted.

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your project:

  • Is early-stage

  • Is linked to a university or research institution

  • Has not been previously funded or completed

Step 2: Define Your Research Focus

Align your topic with:

  • Music and peace studies

  • Human rights and democracy

  • Cultural heritage and social cohesion

  • The legacy and values of Pablo Casals

Step 3: Prepare Application Documents

Compile:

  • Research proposal

  • CV

  • Motivation letter

  • Project description

  • Academic and personal information

Merge all documents into one PDF file.

Step 4: Submit Online

Complete submission before April 12, 2026, at 11:59 pm.

Step 5: Complete Final Research

If selected, submit final research results by May 2, 2027 to receive funding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following:

  • Submitting completed or previously funded projects

  • Failing to demonstrate alignment with peace, democracy, or human rights themes

  • Weak methodological framework

  • Lack of clear academic linkage

  • Poorly structured or incomplete PDF submission

  • Missing deadlines

Clear research design and strong alignment with the Chair’s mission increase competitiveness.

Why This Grant Matters

The Pau Casals UNESCO Chair Research Grant:

  • Promotes interdisciplinary research in music and peace studies

  • Supports early-stage scholars

  • Encourages cultural dialogue and conflict prevention

  • Strengthens scholarship aligned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy

  • Preserves and reinterprets the legacy of Pablo Casals

It bridges music, culture, and global humanistic values in contemporary research.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much funding is provided?

Each selected project receives €2,000, paid after submission of the final research work.

2. Who can apply?

Applicants of any nationality who are of legal age and linked to a university or research institution.

3. Are projects strictly limited to Pablo Casals?

No. Proposals may explore broader themes related to peace, human rights, democracy, and cultural heritage aligned with Casals’ values.

4. What languages are accepted?

Catalan, Spanish, and English.

5. Can previously completed research be submitted?

No. Only early-stage projects are eligible.

6. When are results announced?

Before May 11, 2026.

7. When must final research be submitted?

By May 2, 2027.

Conclusion

The Pau Casals UNESCO Chair Research Grant Program 2026 offers €2,000 and academic support to early-stage researchers exploring music, culture, peace, and social justice. Open internationally and aligned with the humanistic legacy of Pablo Casals, the program supports innovative scholarship connected to democratic values and cultural dialogue.

Eligible candidates should prepare a well-structured, original research proposal and submit a complete application before April 12, 2026.

For more information, visit Pau Casals Foundation.