Description

The GDPC Spotlight 2026 Research Grants are a grant opportunity sponsored by the Global Disaster Preparedness Center (GDPC). The GDPC Spotlight grants support academic research on the responsible adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT) in humanitarian contexts, conducted by researchers from the Global South. This SkillReFlex fact sheet outlines key information to help you understand the target audience, funding level, deadlines, required documents, program limitations, and important considerations before applying. Program Objective - The objective is to generate useful knowledge regarding community needs, technical feasibility, and data protection in humanitarian action. Proposed Experience : Selected projects receive $10,000 and run from November 2026 to June 2027 (eight months), focusing on one of the program’s three thematic areas. Funding and Benefits - The support offered is as follows: A research grant of 10,000 USD for the period from November 2026 to June 2027. Key points to note are: A research grant of 10,000 USD; Duration of eight months (November 2026–June 2027); Support from the GDPC and the French Red Cross Foundation; A clear thematic framework on humanitarian technologies; Emphasis on research from the Global South. When an opportunity combines mentoring, training, awards, travel, or visibility, it is important to distinguish between what is guaranteed, what depends on the final selection, and what remains the responsibility of the applicant. Research Profile : The program is open to researchers (doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty members) who are nationals of low- or middle-income countries and affiliated with an accredited university in the social sciences and humanities. The main criteria to check are: Being a national of a low- or middle-income country (OECD classification); Being affiliated with an accredited university (Ph.D. student, postdoctoral fellow, or faculty researcher); Work in the social sciences and humanities; Propose research aligned with one of the program’s three focus areas. Timeline - The date set for public posting is: July 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. UTC. Official deadlines: Application deadline: July 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. UTC; Research period: November 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027. If the official page mentions multiple rounds, countries, categories, or time zones, always confirm the date that applies to your situation before finalizing your application. Application – Recommended procedure: Review the official call for proposals on preparecenter.org; Prepare a summary and a detailed description of the project; Draw up a budget in USD and gather the team’s summaries; Attach letters of collaboration from partner institutions; Submit the application by July 31, 2026 (11:59 p.m. UTC). Required documents include, in particular: Information about the applicant and a project summary; A detailed project description; A budget in USD with a breakdown of expenses; Resumes of the research team; Letters of collaboration from partner institutions. Anchor the project in a concrete community need. Incorporate a participatory methodology and a data protection component. Obtain a letter of support from a local partner early on. Keep a copy of each document submitted, use a permanent email address, and note the time zone for the deadline. Important Note : This publication does not replace the official source. Verified details: Program confirmed as open, deadline July 31, 2026 (11:59 p.m. UTC), on the official GDPC page on July 5, 2026; Amount (10,000 USD), eligibility (PRFI, accredited university), and timeline verified on the official source. Apply only through the official call for applications on preparecenter.org. No legitimate research scholarship requires an application fee. Apply only through the official channels listed and refuse any promise of selection in exchange for payment, any request for unlisted fees, or any contact that urges you to bypass the official channel.

Official source and verification

Eligibility criteria

• Be a national of a low- or middle-income country (OECD classification)
• Be affiliated with an accredited university (as a doctoral student, postdoctoral fellow, or faculty member)
• Working in the Social Sciences and Humanities
• Propose a research project in one of the program's three areas of focus

Application procedure