Besample Dissertation Grant 2026–27: Apply for Cross-Cultural PhD Research Support in 20 Countries

Overview

The Besample Dissertation Grant 2026–27 is a research support programme designed to help doctoral students conduct exploratory cross-cultural studies and expand behavioural science beyond traditional Western populations. The initiative aims to reduce practical barriers associated with international data collection, helping researchers test existing assumptions, explore cultural differences, and produce findings that reflect a broader range of human experiences. The programme will support 15 doctoral researchers in its 2026–27 cycle. Selected participants will conduct exploratory studies, take part in a structured research accelerator featuring four workshops, and present their work at a public research showcase in August 2027, where three projects will be chosen for larger studies involving up to 3,000 participants each.

What you get

Successful applicants receive support to conduct an exploratory study involving up to 500 participants. Grantees also participate in a research accelerator consisting of four workshops dedicated to study design, language and culture, ethics and institutional review processes, and quality and measurement. Furthermore, participants gain the opportunity to present at a public research showcase in August 2027, from which three projects will be selected to expand into larger studies involving up to 3,000 participants each, subject to conditions and approval.

Who can apply

The programme is open to doctoral researchers from around the world who are early-career researchers and whose dissertation work explores questions that benefit from studying different cultures, countries, or populations.

Key dates

Applications opened in October 2026 and close on 30 November 2026. The programme concludes with a public research showcase in August 2027.