GCRF Secondary Data Analysis Initiative highlight notice

Due date: 15 July 2016
Funding limit: £200,000

We are pleased to announce a Secondary Data Analysis Initiative (SDAI) highlight call as part of its contribution to the new Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF). GCRF is a £1.5 billion fund to support cutting-edge research which addresses the challenges faced by developing countries. The fund addresses global challenges through disciplinary and interdisciplinary research and will strengthen capability for research and innovation within both UK and developing countries, providing an agile response to emergencies where there is an urgent research need.

The aims of this highlight notice are to:

  • utilise existing data resources to produce high-quality, impactful research on developing countries
  • improve the capacity and methods for secondary data research in and on developing countries
  • co-produce substantive and innovative data research in readiness for future GCRF calls
  • provide insight into existing data resources which can be used to conduct research on developing countries

Thematically, the highlight will encourage focus on the five core areas ESRC has initially identified in its GCRF contribution:

  • Building effective institutions in conflict-affected and fragile states
  • Migration, mobility and development
  • Dynamics of inequalities
  • Innovation and inclusive economic growth
  • Shocks, security, risks and resilience

However, it is important to stress this list will not be restrictive: proposals will also be able to explore other areas where social science working in conjunction with other disciplines can make a substantial contribution to achieving the aims of GCRF, for example in relation to mental health and wellbeing, urbanisation, education or digital technology for development. All proposals will have to make a clear case for how they comply with Official Development Assistance (ODA) guidelines.

Proposals will not have to use one of the ESRC data resources required in the full call but will be required to include an academic early career researcher (UK or internationally based) as a principal or co-investigator.

The shape of the call was further developed as a result of the evidence gathered from a workshop on 25 May 2016 but proposals will be required to adhere to the key features of the SDAI.

SDAI GCRF highlight proposals will be invited with a full economic cost (fEC) value of up to £200,000 and for a duration of up to 18 months. Proposals to this call must be led by a researcher at an eligible UK organisation and will need to be submitted through the Research Councils’ Joint Electronic Submission system (Je-S).

All projects will be required to commence by January 2017. We expect to fund around seven projects, with a total budget of £1 million allocated to this call.

Call documents
Secondary Data Analysis Initiative: Global Challenges Research Fund highlight notice (PDF, 181Kb)

Timetable
Call opens – 7 June 2016
Deadline for proposals – 15 July 2016
Grants Assessment Panel – November 2016
Grants Delivery Group – November 2016
Grants start – January 2017