TDR 2025–2026 Funding Opportunity: Grants of up to USD 20,000 for Research on Knowledge Translation in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Submission Deadline: 3 July 2025
Maximum Funding: Up to USD 20,000 per project
Project Duration: Up to 15 months (final reports due by 30 January 2027)
Eligible Applicants: Institutions based in low- or middle-income countries
Submission Language: English

Background and Rationale

In May 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) published the Global Research Agenda on Knowledge Translation (GRA-KT). This agenda outlines key priorities for improving the translation of research into policy and practice. This call for proposals, issued by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), supports research that addresses one or more of the priority areas identified under the GRA-KT:

1. Identifying, developing, and assessing knowledge translation (KT) interventions
2. Addressing barriers, facilitators, and opportunities for KT
3. Developing new methods, standards, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and theories

Preference will be given to research aligned with the 2024–2029 TDR Strategy, which supports country-led implementation research aimed at improving access to health interventions, scaling up innovations, and strengthening health systems. TDR’s strategy emphasizes inclusivity by working with local implementers, researchers, and social innovators.

The TDR Strategy targets four global health challenges affecting infectious diseases of poverty using a One Health approach:

• Epidemics and outbreaks
• Control and elimination of diseases of poverty
• Health impacts of climate change
• Resistance to treatment and control agents

This call is undertaken in partnership with the WHO Evidence Informed Policy unit. Funding will be contingent upon appropriate ethical clearance.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants must:

• Be researchers or health professionals working in public health institutions such as ministries of health, universities, research institutes, or NGOs located in low- or middle-income countries (as classified by the World Bank)
• Demonstrate a track record in knowledge translation, evidence-informed policy work, or health communication
• Submit proposals in English

Collaborations with institutions from high-income countries are welcome. Researchers from diverse backgrounds, including those underrepresented in science, are encouraged to apply. TDR promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion in all funded activities.

Evaluation Criteria and Selection Process

All submitted applications will be screened for eligibility. Eligible proposals will be independently reviewed by at least five experts, who will assess them based on the following criteria:

• Relevance to GRA-KT and TDR strategic priorities
• Scientific quality and methodological soundness
• Capacity to generate practical, policy-relevant outputs
• Potential for scalability and long-term impact
• Team experience and institutional support
• Ethical integrity

Only applications that meet ethical approval requirements will be funded.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review both the GRA-KT document and the TDR Strategy when preparing proposals.

Financial Support

Successful projects will receive up to USD 20,000, distributed in three installments:

• First tranche (up to USD 10,000): For planning, protocol development, seeking co-funding, and ethics approval (to be disbursed by end of 2025)
• Second tranche (up to USD 8,000): For implementation, reporting, and dissemination (by end of 2026)
• Final tranche (10%): Upon submission of final technical and financial reports

Projects should include a budget for open access publication fees or indicate intent to request waivers. Co-funding from domestic or external sources is encouraged.

Project Timeline and Deliverables

Projects must be completed within 15 months. The deadline for final reporting is 30 January 2027, though publication may occur beyond this date. Key deliverables include:

• Approved research protocol and ethics clearance
• Interim and final technical and financial reports
• Evidence of stakeholder engagement and dissemination activities
• Manuscript(s) submitted for publication

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online via the eTDR Community Site no later than 3 July 2025 at 17:00 CEST. To apply:

1. Create an account (or log in) on the eTDR Community Site
2. Download and complete the application form [link provided in original call]
3. Upload the following documents:
   • Completed and signed application form
   • Letter of support from a relevant authority (e.g., Ministry of Health, University Department Head, or NGO Director)
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV) for all investigators
   • Proof of institutional affiliation in an eligible country

All documents must be submitted in English. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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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.