About the opportunity
The Science for Crisis Response and Solutions (SCRS) Research Continuity Grants for Africa initiative is a small-grants pilot program designed to support the continuity of natural science research interrupted by armed conflict, natural hazards, or biological hazards. Implemented by UNESCO, the first pilot call awards six institutional grants of up to USD 2,000 each to eligible researchers based at recognized universities or research institutes across Africa. The funding aims to help researchers resume or complete clearly defined components of interrupted research, preserve valuable scientific data, maintain institutional research capacity, and enhance the resilience of research systems operating in crisis-affected settings. Proposed activities must be completed within a six-month timeframe.
Funding and benefits
- Six institutional grants of up to USD 2,000 each
- Support for consumables and small research supplies
- Funding for local fieldwork and research travel
- Support for data collection, processing, or secure storage
- Coverage for minor equipment repair or essential short-term access to equipment and facilities
- Support for laboratory, publication, or open-access costs
Who can apply?
- Must be African nationals based at a recognized university or research institute in an African country
- Must hold at least a Master’s degree or equivalent recognized research qualification in a relevant field
- Must conduct natural science research, including interdisciplinary research with a substantial natural science component
- Must demonstrate that research was interrupted by armed conflict, natural hazard, or biological hazard within the previous three years, or continues to be materially affected by its consequences
- Must propose activities that can be completed within six months and within the USD 2,000 grant ceiling
- Must provide a signed support letter from an authorized representative of the host institution
- Must confirm that the same costs are not being funded from another source
Required documents
- Completed and signed application form in English or French
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proof of the highest relevant qualification
- Signed institutional support letter from an authorized representative
- Any ethics, research, or fieldwork authorization required for the proposed activities
When to apply
- Applications opened on 5 October 2026
- Application deadline is 15 November 2026 at 23:59 Paris time
How to apply
- Read the Call for Applications, Terms of Reference, and Concept Note carefully
- Complete and sign the online application form in English or French
- Attach the required documents including CV, qualification proof, institutional support letter, and authorizations
- Submit the application online via the official Microsoft Forms submission portal before the deadline
Additional information
- The grant does not cover salary replacement, honoraria, personal allowances, international relocation, long-term subsistence, major equipment, construction, or institutional overheads.
- Women scientists, researchers under 40, and researchers from least developed countries and Small Island Developing States in Africa are particularly encouraged to apply.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Early-career or established African natural scientists whose ongoing laboratory work, field studies, or data collection came to a halt due to regional conflicts or environmental hazards.
- Researchers needing a small, targeted injection of funds to salvage data sets, purchase critical consumables, or gain temporary facility access rather than large multi-year project financing.
- Academic staff and independent researchers affiliated with recognized institutions in Africa seeking institutional backing from UNESCO to bolster resilience in crisis zones.
What should you think carefully about?
- The grant ceiling is modest at USD 2,000 and strictly excludes personal compensation, stipends, or salary support.
- Proposed research activities must be fully executable and concluded within a tight six-month window.
- Obtaining official institutional sign-off and mandatory ethics or fieldwork authorizations can introduce administrative friction depending on local crisis conditions.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This grant serves as an immediate emergency lifeline for researchers whose scientific output has been disrupted by external shocks. It is well-suited for scholars who need quick, unencumbered resources to preserve ongoing scientific inquiries, protect vulnerable datasets, or bridge a temporary operational gap without committing to lengthy administrative overhead.
Our take
Researchers in Africa working in natural sciences whose projects have suffered interruptions due to conflict or hazards should seriously consider applying for this targeted continuity grant before the November deadline. It is less suitable for applicants seeking full salary coverage, long-term fellowships, or large-scale infrastructure investments.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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