GDPC Opens 2026 Research Grants Worth US$10,000 for Ethical Technology in Humanitarian Action
The Global Disaster Preparedness Center (GDPC), in partnership with the French Red Cross Foundation, has launched the 2026 Spotlight Research Grants Program, inviting applications from researchers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The initiative aims to strengthen evidence on the principled and accountable use of technology in humanitarian action through original, policy-relevant research.
The program will award US$10,000 research grants to eligible university researchers undertaking projects that examine how information and communication technologies (ICTs), including artificial intelligence (AI), can be used ethically, responsibly and effectively in humanitarian settings.
Applications are open until 31 July 2026 at 23:59 UTC, with successful projects scheduled to run for up to eight months beginning in November 2026.
Supporting Ethical Innovation in Humanitarian Response
The research grants seek to generate practical knowledge that informs humanitarian policy, programming and community action while ensuring technology is deployed in ways that protect people’s rights, dignity and safety.
GDPC noted that rapid technological advancements have transformed humanitarian operations, from disaster mapping using satellite imagery to digital cash transfers, mobile communications and AI-assisted decision-making. However, these innovations also introduce new ethical, privacy and accountability challenges that require evidence-based solutions.
Through this funding opportunity, researchers will explore how humanitarian organisations can responsibly adopt digital technologies while maintaining humanitarian principles and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
Funding Details
Each successful applicant will receive US$10,000 to conduct original research over an eight-month period.
Key funding details include:
- Grant value of US$10,000
- Research period of up to eight months
- Projects begin on 1 November 2026
- Final research papers due by 30 June 2027
- Research may be conducted in English or French
- Final reports must be submitted in English or French
Applicants requiring translation into English may include translation costs within their proposed project budget.
Priority Research Topics
The 2026 Spotlight Research Grants Program focuses on three major research themes examining technology in humanitarian action.
Community Needs and Digital Realities
Researchers are encouraged to investigate:
- Community priorities regarding digital humanitarian services
- How affected communities adapt or repurpose digital technologies during crises
ICT Solution Feasibility and Implementation
Potential research areas include:
- Infrastructure and operational barriers to implementing digital technologies
- Digital maturity across humanitarian organisations and communities
- Aligning technology design with humanitarian principles
Data Protection in Humanitarian Action
Research may examine:
- Public perceptions of personal data collection during humanitarian programmes
- Data privacy and accountability mechanisms
- The impact of misinformation and data breaches on community trust
The program encourages studies that critically assess technology rather than assuming technological solutions automatically produce positive outcomes.
Who Can Apply?
The funding opportunity is open to researchers affiliated with accredited universities in eligible low- and middle-income countries.
Eligible applicants include:
- PhD candidates
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Faculty members
- Research teams
Applicants should have expertise in disciplines such as:
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Law
- Human geography
- Psychology
- Management
- Behavioural sciences
- Other social science and humanities fields
Research projects must focus on low- and middle-income countries and align with one of the program’s designated research themes.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be reviewed by an expert panel comprising representatives from GDPC, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and other humanitarian organisations.
Proposals will be assessed based on:
- Scientific quality and research rigor
- Relevance to the selected research topic
- Potential policy and humanitarian impact
- Ethical considerations and safeguards
- Qualifications of the research team
- Budget realism and justification
- Project feasibility within the required timeline
- Collaboration with local stakeholders
Applicants are also expected to use community-based or participatory research methods and produce findings that are accessible beyond academic audiences.
Application Requirements
A complete application package must include:
- Applicant information and institutional affiliation
- Project summary
- Detailed research proposal
- Budget and budget justification
- Curriculum vitae for the Principal Investigator and research team
- Letters of collaboration or institutional support where applicable
- Letter of support from a relevant local stakeholder
Prospective applicants must first complete the online eligibility form to receive access to the official application portal.
Advancing Responsible Humanitarian Technology
The GDPC Spotlight Research Grants Program reflects growing international efforts to ensure that emerging technologies strengthen humanitarian assistance without compromising human rights, neutrality or public trust.
By supporting locally led research across low- and middle-income countries, the initiative seeks to generate practical evidence that informs future humanitarian policies and promotes responsible digital innovation. Researchers interested in shaping the future of ethical technology in humanitarian action are encouraged to submit their applications before the 31 July 2026 deadline.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs 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.
