Apply Now: Property Research Trust & Aubrey Barker Fund – £10,000 Research Grant

The Property Research Trust, in partnership with the Aubrey Barker Fund, is pleased to invite applications for research funding through a new call aimed at advancing impactful, original research in land, property, and urban development. We seek proposals that contribute meaningfully to both academic knowledge and public benefit, with a clear and lasting impact on developing countries.

Grant Overview

We are offering a research grant of up to £10,000 (ten thousand pounds sterling), to be awarded as a single grant to support an innovative and high-quality research project. The proposed research should ideally be completed within 6 to 12 months, although the timeline is negotiable based on project scope and methodology.

Proposals should present either empirical research or data-driven analysis that aligns with at least two of the following thematic areas:

• Improving land tenure and property rights
• Enhancing the resilience and sustainability of human settlements
• Delivering new insights into urban development challenges
• Building local capacity and professional skills in land and property management
• Advancing the use of technology for effective land and property governance

We particularly encourage proposals that demonstrate a practical application of research findings to real-world challenges and that promote inclusive, evidence-based approaches to land and property issues.

Eligibility Criteria

We welcome applications from individual researchers or research teams affiliated with a university, commercial enterprise, or not-for-profit organization. Projects must have a clear focus on developing countries, either by being conducted within a developing country, or in partnership with an institution or community in a developing country.

“Developing countries” for this purpose are those classified by the World Bank as low-income, lower-middle income, or upper-middle income economies.

Proposals that include matched funding or co-funding from other sources are welcomed but not required.

What We’re Looking For

Successful applications will clearly demonstrate:

• Relevance to the call: Alignment with at least two of the listed thematic areas and with our mission of supporting socially relevant and globally beneficial research.
• Originality and innovation: Fresh perspectives, creative approaches, or new methodologies in addressing complex land and property challenges.
• Feasibility: A realistic project plan that matches the scope and available resources, including timeline and budget.
• Expertise and track record: Strong academic or professional credentials of the applicant(s), with a clear demonstration of relevant research or field experience. (Links to online CVs or institutional profiles are allowed.)
• Research quality: A robust methodology, clear objectives, and potential for meaningful outcomes.
• Impact potential: The ability of the project to contribute to knowledge, inform policy or practice, and bring tangible benefits to communities in developing countries.
• Clear communication: Proposals must be written in high-quality English and demonstrate the ability to deliver well-articulated research outputs.

Ineligible Costs

Please note that the grant will not cover:

• Interview transcriptions
• Travel costs for conducting interviews

Applicants should plan accordingly when designing the methodology and budget.

Application Process

This is a single-stage application process. All applicants must complete and submit the official application form, which can be downloaded from our website here.

• Deadline for submission: Friday, 4th July 2025 at 17:00 GMT
• Notification of outcome: Successful applicants will be informed via email by Friday, 1st August 2025

Please ensure that all sections of the application form are completed in full and that supporting documentation is submitted where required.

Selection Process

All applications will be assessed by an expert panel based on the selection criteria outlined above. The Trustees’ decision on which application(s) to fund will be final, and there is no formal appeal process.

We will provide limited feedback to unsuccessful applicants, but cannot enter into extended correspondence regarding application outcomes.

Questions and Support

If you have any questions about the application process or the scope of the research call, please direct them via email to: [email protected]. We encourage all prospective applicants to reach out well in advance of the deadline for clarification or guidance.

By supporting this research initiative, the Property Research Trust and the Aubrey Barker Fund aim to advance solutions to some of the most pressing land and property challenges facing developing countries today. We look forward to receiving high-quality proposals that are innovative, grounded, and committed to making a lasting difference.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.