UNESCO SCRS Research Continuity Grants Africa 2026: Up to $2,000
The UNESCO Science for Crisis Response and Solutions (SCRS) Research Continuity Grants for Africa 2026 are now open for African researchers whose natural-science research has been interrupted by conflict or a natural or biological hazard.
- FundingUp to US$2,000
- DurationUp to 6 months
- Who can applyAfrica
- Application feeFree
Overview
The pilot call will award six institutional grants of up to US$2,000 each. Proposed activities must be completed within six months.
The application deadline is November 15, 2026, at 23:59 Paris time.
The SCRS Research Continuity Grant is a small-grants initiative designed to help researchers continue or complete research that was disrupted by a crisis.
The research must have been interrupted by an armed conflict, natural hazard or biological hazard within the previous three years, or must still be materially affected by the consequences of such an event.
At a glance
About
- Opportunity type
- Research Grant
- Duration
- Up to 6 months
- Maximum project duration
- 6 months
- Detail
- Information
- Organizer
- UNESCO
- Number of grants
- 6
- Event
- Date
Funding
- Grant amount
- Up to US$2,000
- Application fee
- Free
Eligibility
- Nationality
- Africa
- Minimum degree required
- Master’s degree or equivalent research qualification
- Age limit
- None
- Work experience
- None
Who can apply
Applicants must:
- Be an African national
- Be based at a recognised university or research institute in an African country
- Hold at least a Master’s degree or equivalent recognised research qualification
- Conduct natural-science research, including interdisciplinary research with a substantial natural-science component
- Demonstrate that their research was interrupted by an eligible crisis
- Propose activities that can be completed within six months
- Provide a signed support letter from their host institution
- Confirm that the same costs are not being funded elsewhere
UNESCO particularly encourages applications from women scientists, researchers under 40, and researchers from least developed countries and Small Island Developing States in Africa.
Minimum Degree Required
Master’s degree or equivalent research qualification.
The grant supports natural-science research.
Interdisciplinary projects may also qualify if they contain a substantial natural-science component.
Applicants should submit:
- Completed and signed application form
- CV
- Proof of highest relevant qualification
- Signed institutional support letter
- Required ethics, research or fieldwork authorisations, where applicable
- Details of the proposed research-continuity activities
Applications can be completed in English or French.
What you get
Selected researchers can receive up to US$2,000 for eligible research-related expenses.
The grant can support:
- Research consumables and small supplies
- Local fieldwork and research travel
- Data collection, processing or secure storage
- Minor equipment repairs
- Short-term access to essential equipment or facilities
- Laboratory expenses
- Publication and open-access costs
How to apply
- Review the official UNESCO call and Terms of Reference.
- Confirm that your research meets the crisis-interruption requirement.
- Prepare your research continuity proposal within the US$2,000 limit.
- Obtain the required institutional support letter.
- Prepare your CV and qualification documents.
- Submit the application online before the deadline.
Is This Fully Funded?
This is a small research grant of up to US$2,000, not a fully funded scholarship or fellowship.
UNESCO specifically excludes several types of expenses, including salary replacement, personal allowances, international relocation, long-term subsistence, major equipment, construction and institutional overheads.
Hidden Charges & Application Fee
The application is submitted online, and UNESCO does not list a mandatory payment for applying or participating.
| Expense | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Application fee | No fee stated |
| Research supplies | Eligible |
| Local research travel | Eligible |
| Data collection/storage | Eligible |
| Laboratory costs | Eligible |
| Publication/open access | Eligible |
| Salary replacement | Not covered |
| Personal allowances | Not covered |
| International relocation | Not covered |
| Long-term living expenses | Not covered |
| Major equipment | Not covered |
| Institutional overheads | Not covered |
Official Link
Final Note
The UNESCO SCRS Research Continuity Grants for Africa 2026 are best suited to African researchers whose natural-science research has been disrupted by a crisis and who need targeted funding to resume or complete a defined part of their work.
With a maximum award of US$2,000, this should be classified as a Research Grant, not a fully funded opportunity.
Frequently asked questions
Is the UNESCO SCRS Research Continuity Grant open?
Yes. Applications are currently open for the 2026 pilot call.
How much funding is available?
Up to US$2,000 per grant, with six institutional grants available.
Is there an application fee?
No application fee is stated in the official UNESCO call.
Is this a fully funded grant?
No. It is a small research grant that covers specific eligible research expenses.
Can researchers from any African country apply?
Yes, provided they meet the eligibility requirements and their research satisfies the crisis-related criteria.
Can PhD researchers apply?
Yes, provided they meet the other requirements. A Master’s degree or equivalent research qualification is the minimum stated qualification.
Does the research have to have been interrupted recently?
Yes. The interruption must be connected to an armed conflict or natural/biological hazard within the previous three years, or the research must still be materially affected by its consequences.
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