Up to £12 Million FCDO Funding for SRHR Research 2026: LMIC Institutions Can Apply to Lead a Global Research Centre

Overview

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has commissioned an international research initiative titled the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Applied Research Centre. This funding opportunity aims to establish a research centre dedicated to improving sexual and reproductive health and rights, strengthening evidence-based policymaking, and addressing service delivery gaps across diverse country settings. The competition operates through a two-stage process consisting of an initial Expression of Interest followed by a Full Proposal stage. The programme period runs from July 2027 to March 2032.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants include public universities, non-profit research organisations, and qualifying private universities with clearly defined non-profit divisions. Applications must be submitted by institutional consortia rather than individual researchers. The lead institution must be registered as a legal entity and must be an eligible low- and middle-income country institution or an eligible partnership involving low- and middle-income country organisations. Consortia are recommended to consist of approximately six to eight organisations, with a maximum of ten, and must operate across at least six diverse low- and middle-income countries. An organisation may lead or co-lead only one Expression of Interest and participate in up to three applications in total.

What you get

The competition offers an accountable grant worth up to £12 million to establish the research centre. Shortlisted applicants progressing to the Full Proposal stage may receive up to £30,000 for proposal development support, subject to due diligence and contracting. Approximately 80 percent of the main funding is allocated to applied research, evidence synthesis, and knowledge mobilisation, while approximately 20 percent is directed toward responsive evidence, advisory support, and rapid research.

How to apply

Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest by the specified deadline. Shortlisted candidates will advance to the Full Proposal stage.

Key dates

The application deadline for Expressions of Interest is 30 November 2026 at 17:00 GMT.