UNESCO Science for Crisis Response Research Continuity Grants for Africa 2026, six grants of up to US$2,000 for African scientists whose research was disrupted by crisis, deadline 15 November 2026

Has your scientific research in Africa been disrupted by conflict, floods, drought, disease outbreaks or another crisis? UNESCO has launched the first pilot call of its Science for Crisis Response and Solutions (SCRS) Research Continuity Grants for Africa. It offers six grants of up to US$2,000 to help African researchers restart or finish interrupted natural-science research. Applications are accepted in English or French until 15 November 2026 at 23:59 Paris time.

Grant at a Glance

Organiser: UNESCO
Grants: 6 institutional grants of up to US$2,000 each
For: African researchers at African universities or research institutes
Field: Natural sciences, or interdisciplinary work with a strong natural-science component
Situation: Research interrupted by armed conflict or a natural or biological hazard in the past three years
Project length: Activities completed within six months
Languages: English or French
Deadline: 15 November 2026, 23:59 Paris time (22:59 GMT)

What the Grant Is For

Crises often stop research halfway through. Samples are lost, fieldwork is cancelled, equipment breaks and data goes missing. These small, flexible grants help African scientists get interrupted work back on track, so valuable research isn’t abandoned.

Benefits: What You Can Spend It On

Consumables and small research supplies
Local fieldwork and research travel
Data collection, processing or secure storage
Minor equipment repair, or short-term access to equipment or facilities
Laboratory, publication or open-access costs linked to the interrupted research

Not covered:

salaries or personal allowances
international relocation
long-term living costs
major equipment or construction
institutional overheads

Eligibility

You’re an African national based at a recognised university or research institute in an African country.
You hold at least a master’s degree or equivalent research qualification in a relevant field.
Your research is in the natural sciences, or is interdisciplinary with a substantial natural-science part.
Your research was interrupted by armed conflict or a natural or biological hazard in the last three years, or is still affected.
You can complete the proposed activities within six months and within US$2,000.
Your host institution supports your application with a signed letter.
The same costs aren’t funded elsewhere.

Especially encouraged: women scientists, researchers under 40, and researchers from least developed countries and African small island states.

Required Documents

The completed and signed application form (English or French)
Your CV
Proof of your highest qualification
A signed support letter from an authorised representative of your institution
Any required ethics, research or fieldwork permits
A budget, and confirmation that costs aren’t funded elsewhere

Tips for a Strong Application

Explain the disruption clearly. Say what happened (conflict, flood, outbreak), when, and exactly how it stopped your research.
Keep the plan small and realistic. US$2,000 over six months suits a focused step, such as replacing reagents, repeating fieldwork or recovering data.
Itemise the budget and stick to eligible costs.
Get your institution’s support letter early.
Apply soon. With only six grants, competition will be strong.