Recognising the fast-moving nature of many of the challenges facing low- or middle-income countries (LMICs), the AHRC has launched this scheme to provide an accelerated funding outlet for urgent research priorities. Funded as a part of the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), it is an open, responsive mechanism through which arts and humanities researchers (working with other disciplines where appropriate) can respond in an agile way to unanticipated urgent research needs.
Eligible projects must be fully compliant with the requirements of Official Development Assistance (ODA), addressing a development need or challenge with the potential to support low or middle income countries meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition, applications must demonstrate the case for urgency, explaining why the research needs to be done within specified time constraints that cannot be supported through other funding routes.
Applications for full economic costs up to £150,000 for a period of up to 12 months may be submitted at any time during the period of the pilot scheme. Applicants interested in applying should first submit an expression of interest to the AHRC at the earliest opportunity following the emergence of the urgency need or context. If the expression of interest is considered to fall within the scope of the scheme, applicants will then be invited to submit a full application through Je-S for consideration through an accelerated peer review process.