The Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) research programme aims to generate insights in and a better understanding of processes that determine and strengthen the sexual and reproductive health of people, as well as their ability to claim their sexual and reproductive rights. The current call solicits proposals for research to be carried out in Bangladesh or Burundi by consortia of at least two research organisations from across the globe, one of which from Bangladesh or Burundi / Great Lakes region. Engagement with practitioner organisations in the relevant focus country is strongly recommended.

Purpose

The SRHR research programme implements the research component of the Knowledge Platform for Sexual and Reproductive Health, Share-Net International, initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

This call focuses on Bangladesh and Burundi. The research funded should yield new knowledge and insights and contribute to improving and innovating SRHR policies and practices. Fields of interest, with a specific focus on young people and some key populations, are:

  • Improved understanding of realities, enabling factors and barriers to SRHR information and services;
  • Improved access to information and quality health and social services;
  • Informed choices and decision-making processes related to SRHR.

Who can apply

Proposals with a multi-/inter-disciplinary approach should be submitted by consortia consisting of at least two research organisations:

  • A research institution from Bangladesh or Burundi/Great Lakes Region and;
  • A research institution from across the globe.

The main applicant, or consortium coordinator, and the co-applicant should have senior positions (and hold a PhD) at the consortium member organisations.

Preferably, consortia are extended with a practitioner organisation active in the field of SRHR in the focus country concerned. For research in Burundi: in case neither of the two research institutions would be from Burundi but from elsewhere in the Great Lakes Region and from elsewhere across the globe, it is a prerequisite that the consortium is extended with a practitioner organisation active in the field of SRHR in Burundi.

Extending the consortium to other practitioner organisations, including international organisations or private parties, is welcomed.

What to apply

It is possible to apply for funding for research projects with different size and duration, notably 18, 24, 30 or 36 months. The maximum grant sizes depend upon project duration and amount to 255,000 euros, 340,000 euros, 425,000 euros and 510,000 euros, respectively.

The proposal should comprise scientific research combined with adequate communication, knowledge exchange and capacity strengthening activities. It should demonstrate active engagement with relevant (external) stakeholders (practitioner organisations, target group representatives) throughout the project.

When to apply

  • A Letter of Intent must be submitted by email (srhr@nwo.nl) by 5 January 2015, 12:00 noon CET in order to be eligible for submitting a proposal.
  • Only when the Letter of Intent has been timely received, a full proposal may be submitted in Iris until 3 February 2015, 12:00 noon CET.

Assessment

Criteria

Full proposals are evaluated along three main criteria.

I. Scientific quality

  • Potential to generate new, evidence-based knowledge and insights;
  • Validity of the conceptual framework or experimental set-up;
  • Adequacy of proposed methodology and level of integration of the multi- or interdisciplinary or multilevel approach;
  • Feasibility of the research approach / work plan.

II. Relevance for development

  • Extent to which the proposal aligns with the call’s foci and potential of the research to generate relevant knowledge for improved SRHR;
  • Extent to which the proposal is rooted in the local stakeholder needs and priorities of stakeholders and key populations; quality of the approach for dialogue and knowledge sharing;
  • Probability of a wider application of the results;
  • Contribution to research capacity strengthening in the focus countries.

III. Quality of collaboration

  • Quality and track record of the research team and organisation and embedding of the research;
  • Strength of the partnership;
  • Adequacy of the consortium composition and of the budget requested;
  • Shared ownership by the consortium partners.

Procedure

Eligible proposals are assessed for quality using the evaluation criteria indicated above. After peer review of the proposals, the International Advisory Committee (IAC) will assess and rank all proposals based upon the reviews and the reply of the applicants to these. The Programme Committee will decide upon funding, based upon recommendations from the IAC, while taking into account policy considerations (geographic spread of proposals and availability of resources). It is foreseen that decisions on funding will be made in June 2015. Projects should start within 3 months after approval of budgets.

 

Continue to NWO website for more information and to apply electronically.

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