Global Challenges Research Fund Networking Grants

While the GCRF Networking initiative is coming to an end, please ⁠click here to visit our webpage for information on our new Networking scheme, which is now open for applications.

Key dates

This scheme is no longer accepting applications.

 

The scheme allows researchers from across disciplines and from developing countries and the UK to hold networking events, to forge new links and generate innovative transdisciplinary research ideas to address global challenges. We expect that these new networks will then be better positioned to compete for more substantive grants offered by future funding initiatives.

Impact of Covid-19 - The Academy will be as flexible as possible to support all our researchers around the challenges to their work from Covid-19. We acknowledge that Covid-19 may have an impact on the applicant’s ability to carry out traditional in person networking events, in the short term. We encourage applicants to be creative in considering how networking events might be delivered remotely should this be appropriate. For up to date information on the Academy’s response to Covid-19, please see our information hub and FAQs for applicants and award holders.

We are delighted to be working with the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society to offer Global Challenges Research Fund Networking Grants.

The Global Challenges Research Fund is a five year £1.5 billion fund supporting cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. It aims to address global issues through challenge-led research and strengthen research capacity both in the UK and in developing countries. Our GCRF networking grants:

  • Provide opportunities for researchers from a wide spectrum of disciplines and backgrounds to develop new collaborations.
  • Improve interaction between UK researchers and those in developing countries.
  • Build communities of researchers that can submit high quality applications for other GCRF funding calls.

The Academy has previously also run a range of global health policy workshops supported through the Global Challenges Research Fund programme - find out more about our ongoing policy work to address global health challenges.

Recent Awardees

We are delighted to announce the following awardees from Round 8:

Dr Sean Wasserman (University of Cape Town) and Dr Joseph Donovan (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine). A network to establish an international multidisciplinary tuberculous meningitis platform trial

Dr Erick Mbuguje (Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences) and Dr Behnam Shaygi (London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust). Africa Liver Cancer Society (ALCS): Establishing a Network to Support Hepatocellular Carcinoma Research in Sub-Saharan Africa

Professor Ana Mocumbi (Universidade Eduardo Mondlane) and Dr Andre Amaral (Imperial College London). Multi-morbidity network in sub-Saharan Africa

Professor William Shivoga (Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology) and Dr Jian Gun Zhou (Manchester Metropolitan University). UK-Africa Network to Strengthen Environmental Initiatives to Monitor and Control Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Spread in Lake Victoria Basin

Dr Kriengsak Panuwatwanich (Thammasat University) and Dr Long Chen (Loughborough University). Enhancing readiness for circular economy among ASEAN SMEs through inclusive digital transformation

Dr Yetenayet Tola (Jimma University) and Dr Ahmed Rezk (Aston University). Cold chain mapping towards nature-assisted cooling in East Africa: Networking and capacity building

Dr Salinah Rono (University of Eldoret) and Dr Jennifer Cole (Royal Holloway University of London). Kenya-UK-LMIC Partnership on Leveraging Fish Genomics to Enhance Food Hygiene and Reduce Antibiotic Resistance Spread through Fish Consumption

Dr James Jumbe (Kenyatta University) and Dr Martin Wilkes (University of Essex). Mapping Aquatic Resources and Risks in Kenya’s largest river basin (MARRK)

Dr Syed Abbas (Indian Institute of Technology Mandi) and Dr Priyank Shukla (University of Ulster). International Consortium of Multimorbidity Research & Development (ICMRD)

Dr Shamarina Shohaimi (Universiti Putra Malaysia) and Dr Yingqin Zheng (Royal Holloway, University of London). Interdisciplinary Network Assessing Women's Digital Inclusion as a Social Determinant of Health

Dr Mehmet Adiguzel (Atatürk University) and Dr Mahmoud Eltholth (Royal Holloway University of London UK). An International Network of Veterinary Education for Sustainable Antimicrobial Use and Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (NetVet4SAMU)

Professor Angela Dramowski (Stellenbosch University) and Professor Kathryn Holt (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine). NeoNet-Africa: a multi-disciplinary network to reduce neonatal deaths from bacterial infections in sub-Saharan Africa

Professor Cristina Adams (Universidade de Sao Paulo) and Dr Pamela Katic (Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich). A UK-Brazil Knowledge-Action Network to facilitate Indigenous-led innovation for sustainable and inclusive community-based economies

Professor Kwame Frimpong (University of Cape Coast) and Professor Karl Behrendt (Harper Adams University). The integration of PA tools and technologies for resilient and sustainable agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa

Dr Zahid Memon (Aga Khan University) and Dr Sadiq Bhanbhro (Sheffield Hallam University). Developing a collaborative research network to identify research priorities in maternal and infant nutritional health risks linked to climate change: A scoping exercise in Pakistan

Professor Fracolli Lislaine (University of São Paulo, School of Nursing) and Professor Stephen Timmons (University of Nottingham). Bridging the Gaps between Hospital and Primary Care for Prevention and Post-Discharge Surveillance of Post-Caesarian Section Surgical Site Infection: An Approach from the Perspective of Implementation Research

Dr Maria Fernanda Reyes (Universidad de los Andes) and Dr Minna Lyons (Liverpool John Moores University). A Latin American network for bystanders against bias-based bullying

Dr Mario del Roble Pensado Leglise (Instituto Politecnico Nacional) and Dr Cesar Revoredo-Giha (Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC)). The use of orphan crops in a sustainable diversified portfolio for food security in Mexico

Professor Nitsara Karoonuthaisiri (National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC)) and Professor Chris Elliott (Queen's University, Belfast). Developing decision support tool(s) for mitigating mycotoxins risks caused by climate change

Professor Takafira Mduluza (University of Zimbabwe) and Prof Francisca Mutapi (University of Edinburgh). Amplifying the voice of the affected to accelerate efforts to control and elimination of NTDs in Africa

Dr Camila Gianella (Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú) and Dr Jasmine Gideon (Birkbeck, University of London). Understanding the inequality impacts of health PPPs in Middle Income Countries.

Dr Nikita Gopal (Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT)) and Professor Paul Kemp (University of Southampton). The Marine Resource Nexus Network

Dr Emmanuel Kwesi Nyantakyi (University of Energy and Natural Resources) and Professor Kirk Semple (Lancaster University). Understanding the Factors Driving Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry impacts in Sub-Saharan Africa

We are delighted to announce the following awardees from Round 7:

Professor Tajudeen Akanji (University of Ibadan) and Dr Margaret Ebubedike (The Open University). A ‘hidden’ crisis-in-crises: a transformative agenda ‘Boko-haram and education’ in the countries of the Lake-Chad region through visual narratives

Dr Yumna Albertus (University of Cape Town) and Dr Amit Pujari (University of Hertfordshire). Southern African Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Innovation (SASRI) Network

Professor Ponsiano Ocama (Makerere University College of Health Sciences) and Professor Emma Thomson (University of Glasgow). Priming elimination of hepatitis C in Sub-Saharan Africa; development of a treatment and bioresource network

Dr Ramona Boodoosingh (National University of Samoa) and Professor Suzanne Hagen (Glasgow Caledonian University). An international network to promote awareness and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction in the Pacific Islands (PIPELINE)

Dr Joshua Arimi (Meru University of Science and Technology) and Dr Maria Jose Oruna-Concha (University of Reading). Improving food security in Arid and Semi-Arid (ASAL) regions of Northern Kenya through transformation of the camel milk supply chain

Dr Diana Marangu (University of Nairobi) and Dr Ruaraidh Dobson (University of Stirling). Clean the Air Better Indoors for Newborns (CABIN): Reducing Exposure to Household Air Pollution During Pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa

Dr Michael Baghebo (Niger Delta University) and Dr Marian Chijoke-Mgbame (De Montfort University). Making Sense of Africa’s Emerging Corporate Sustainability Transformation and its Many Futures

Dr Adilson De Pina (Ministry of Health and Social Security) and Dr Jackie Cook (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine). West African Regional Collaborative Network for Evidence-Based Decision-Making in Malaria Elimination

Professor Isaac Boateng (University of Education, Winneba) and Dr Katherine Sian Davies-Vollum (University of Derby). Establishing a network to build resilient coastal communities in West Africa

Dr Theresa Giorza (The University of the Witwatersrand) and Professor Jayne Osgood (Middlesex University). DlalA: Decolonising Play through the Digital in Sub-Saharan Africa

Professor Robinson Mdegela (Sokoine University of Agriculture) and Dr Taya Forde (University of Glasgow). Developing a framework for assessing the drivers of antimicrobial resistance in aquatic environments using a One Health approach

Dr Dashne Sedeeq (Erbil Polytechnic University) and Dr Suha Omar (De Montfort University). Realising Education’s Promise for Children Refugees from Syria: Assessment of Education Provision and Learning Environments in Iraq

Professor Ky Son Chu (Hanoi University of Science and Technology) and Dr Parag Acharya (University of Greenwich). Multi-disciplinary network platform to assess value chain opportunity for plant-based protein by upcycling food wastes and improving food safety

Professor Salako Luc Djogbenou (Université d'Abomey-Calavi) and Dr Luigi Sedda (Lancaster University). A network for the development of digital open access and user-friendly tools for infectious diseases surveillance and control

Dr Natt Makul (Phranakhon Rajabhat University) and Dr Boksun Kim (University of Plymouth). Capacity and capability building to develop recycled aggregate concrete in South East Asia

Professor Alper Ilki (Istanbul Technical University) and Dr Mihaela Anca Ciupala (University of East London). Strengthening housing resilience in Turkey: sustainable strategies for seismic retrofitting decisions

We are delighted to announce the following awardees from Round 6:

Professor Elena Moore (University of Cape Town) and Professor Debora Price (University of Manchester). Care of Older People in Southern Africa: A network to improve understanding of challenges to elderly care in Southern Africa

Professor Gagandeep Singh (Dayanand Medical College & Hospital) and Professor Josemir Sander (University College London). Tapping the Tapeworm to Understand Epilepsy: A Global Initiative

Dr Luis Mesa Martinez (Pontificia Universidad Javeriana) and Dr Fiorella Montero-Diaz (Keele University). Sounding a Queer Rebellion: LGBTI Musical Resistances in Latin America

Dr Thaddeus Blanchette (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro) and Dr Isabel Crowhurst (University of Essex). Challenging urban sex workers’ multiple exclusions in Brazil: a network to share knowledge, confront stigma, and promote community-led responses

Professor Patricia Leon (National Autonomous University of Mexico) and Dr Gabriela Toledo-Ortiz (Lancaster University). Tomatoes for Tomorrow Network: maintaining a living laboratory in Mexico for the future of the cultivar under climate change

Dr Rogayah A Razak (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) and Dr Maria Garraffa (Heriot-Watt University). Early identification and intervention of children with speech and language disorders in South East Asia Region: Developing capabilities, partnerships and research

Dr Palwende Romuald Boua (Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro) and Dr Rihlat Said Mohamed (University of Cambridge). iMapNut: Machine Learning to Map and Address Causal Factors of Child Malnutrition in Low- and- Middle- Income Countries

Professor Mark Tomlinson (Stellenbosch University) and Professor Claire Hughes (University of Cambridge). Strengthening innovative child development research in African settings: new methods and improved capacity

Professor Davis Sansolo (São Paulo State University) and Dr Les Levidow (The Open University). Food sovereignty through agroecology in South America: Interdisciplinary methods for participatory action research

Dr Helen Scanlon (University of Cape Town) and Dr Khanyisela Moyo (Transitional Justice Institute, Ulster University). Fault lines in Transitional Justice: Looking Backwards to Move Forwards

Professor Van Toi Vo (Vietnam National University) and Professor Claire Goodman (University of Hertfordshire). Investigation and Implementation of Solutions for Challenges in Mental Issues of the Elderly in Vietnam by Networking with Advanced Countries

Dr Hector Vera-Alcaraz (Ministerio del Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible (MADES)) and Professor Paul Kemp (University of Southampton). SHAASAN - The Network for advancing Sustainable Hydropower for Africa, Asia and South America

Dr Ndekya Maria Oriyo (National Institute for Medical Research) and Dr Angela Obasi (The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine). Adolescent Mental Health in Tanzania: A network to promote and accelerate nationwide research capacity strengthening, innovation and excellence

Dr Mahamadou Koita (Institut International d'Ingénierie de l'Eau et de l'Environnement) and Dr Ulrich Ofterdinger (Queen's University Belfast). Groundwater-g – Supporting Groundwater Resources Management in Sub-Saharan Africa using low-cost microgravity technology 

Dr Rufus Akinyemi (University of Ibadan) and Professor Dame Caroline Watkins (University of Central Lancashire). Strengthening Stroke Research and Training Capacity in Africa: The UK – Africa Stroke Partnership

Dr Fiacre A.R. Agossa (University of Kinshasa) and Professor Steve Lindsay (University of Durham). House-based interventions for malaria control in The Democratic Republic of the Congo 

Dr Robert Ssekitoleko (Makerere University College of Health Sciences) and Professor Fiona Denison (University of Edinburgh). Strengthening Interdisciplinary Research in Technology Translational Pathways for Improved Maternal and Child Health in Uganda

Professor Emmanuel Unuabonah (Redeemer's University) and Dr Timothy Easun (Cardiff University). Building Capacity for Sustainable Solutions in the Provision of Clean Water in West Africa

Professor Maowia Mukhtar (Bioscience Research Institute, Ibn Sina University) and Dr Leena Al-Hassan (University of Sussex). Establishment of One Health Platform to Reduce the Emergence and Spread of Antibiotic Resistance in the Nile Valley (PRESAR)

Professor Opha Pauline DUBE (Africa Interprofessional Education Network) and Dr Kadmiel Maseyk (The Open University). Improving climate change adaptation and resilience in the Kalahari Basin with Earth Observation data

We are delighted to announce the following awardees from Round 5:

Dr Danielle Watson (The University of the South Pacific) and Professor Amanda Robinson (Cardiff University). Developing Contextually-appropriate Responses to Domestic Violence in Developing Pacific Island Countries: A Pathway to Improved Frontline Responses

Professor Alfred Yawson (University of Ghana) and Dr Maria Maynard (Leeds Beckett University). Improved nutrition and sustainable livelihoods for female informal workers in Ghana and Nigeria: an interdisciplinary network

Dr Gade Waqa (Fiji National University) and Professor Penny Curtis (University of Sheffield). Promoting disaster resilience in children: developing a network to research culturally appropriate, sustainable public health interventions in Fiji and Samoa

Dr Jitender Giri (National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi) and Dr Ranjan Swarup (University of Nottingham). Improving crop yield in dry and nutrient-poor soils via more resilient rice varieties

Professor Paramita Atmodiwirjo (Universitas Indonesia) and Dr Rokhshid Ghaziani (De Montfort University). Healing by Nature: Implementation of Biophilic Design Model for the Post-Disaster School Reconstruction in Indonesia to Promote Children’s Wellbeing

Dr Dechassa Tegegne (Jimma University) and Professor Nicola Williams (University of Liverpool). Antimicrobial resistance in sympatric humans, livestock and wildlife inhabiting an urban area of Jimma town, Ethiopia.

Professor Mafaniso Hara (University of the Western Cape) and Professor Fiona Nunan (University of Birmingham). Sustainable resource governance solutions in sub-Saharan Africa

Dr Rafael Cabral-Tena (Ensenada Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education (CICESE)) and Professor Chris Perry (University of Exeter). Understanding changing capacity of central American reefs to sustain their geo-ecological functions: a multidisciplinary network for science and management

Professor Jorge Emmanuel (Silliman University) and Dr Risa Morimoto (SOAS University of London). Trans-disciplinary network for designing ‘Zero Waste local neighborhood store’ models in the Philippines

Dr Ogheneruona Diemuodeke (University of Port Harcourt) and Dr Muhammad Imran (Aston University). Mapping and development of geographic information system of biomass potential in Sub-Saharan Africa

Professor Dorothy Yeboah-Manu (University of Ghana) and Professor Ian Gilbert (University of Dundee). The Development of a Drug Discovery Research Hub in Ghana

Dr Jamie Rylance (Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme (MLW)) and Professor Sally Singh (University of Leicester). Alleviating the Burden of Chronic Respiratory Diseases in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Developing a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Research Network

Dr Mbembe Binda (University of Rwanda) and Dr Matthieu Burnay (Queen Mary University of London). Chinese Investments in Rwanda: Challenges and Opportunities for the Construction of a Sustainable Economy and Society

Dr Jackson Muthengia (University of Embu) and Professor John Kinuthia (University of South Wales). Promotion of energy efficient homes using sustainable design of building, materials and energy management

Dr Fred Sarfo (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology) and Professor Lorna Paul (Glasgow Caledonian University). Telerehabilitation: a sustainable, low cost solution to improving the health and wellbeing of people with neurological conditions in Ghana

Professor Balaji Veeraraghavan (Christian Medical College, Vellore) and Dr Naveen Kumar Devanga Ragupathi (University of Sheffield). Biofilms and Antimicrobial Resistance Consortium of ODA receiving countries

Mr Ali Ahmad Kaveh (Herat University) and Dr Lucia Berdondini (University of East London). The Role of Higher Education on Mental Health in Afghanistan: developing an interdisciplinary network to support the well-being of students

Professor Bhuminand Devkota (Agriculture and Forestry University) and Dr Faical Akaichi (Scotland's Rural College). Improving access to nutritious and sustainable foods through increasing the production and consumption of underutilised crops in Nepal.

Dr Maria Clara Padoveze (Universidade de São Paulo) and Professor Kay Currie (Glasgow Caledonian University). Tackling the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance by engaging nurses in antibiotic stewardship: building capacity through a Brazil-UK collaboration

Dr Sandra Ley (Centro de Investigacion y Docencia Economicas) and Dr Ana Carolina Garriga (University of Essex). Establishing an interdisciplinary network to address the economic consequences of criminal violence in Mexico

Dr Caroline Kabaria (African Population and Health Research Center) and Professor Joao Porto de Albuquerque (University of Warwick). Urban Equality Observatory: A Trans-disciplinary Network leveraging Earth Observation and Community-Driven Geospatial Information for Ensuring Access to Basic Urban Services

We are delighted to announce the following awardees from Round 4:

Professor Kathryn Chu (Stellenbosch University) and Professor Justine Davies (University of Birmingham). AfroSurg: A Network to Improve Equitable Access to Safe and Timely Surgical Care in Southern Africa

Dr Kwame Frimpong (University of Cape Coast) and Dr Martin Blackwell (Rothamsted Research).  Opportunities for improved pasture and controlled grazing systems to address nomadic pastoralist and arable farmer conflicts in West Africa

Dr Mahendrawathi Er (Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember) and Dr Alexander Trautrims (University of Nottingham). Gender-specific risks and responses to labour exploitation in textile supply chains: The challenge of transferability

Mr Said Mohammed Hassen (Debre Berhan University) and Professor Gerhard Leubner (Royal Holloway University of London). Understanding the Food Chain of Teff (Eragrostis tef) and the Application of Seed Technology in Teff Farming in Ethiopia

Dr Dionicia Gamboa Vilela (Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia) and Professor Chris Drakeley (LSHTM). International collaborative network for the Integration, Standardization and Assessment of the use of drones in malaria vector control strategies

Dr Quang Thanh Bui (VNU University of Science) and Dr Yunqing Xuan (Swansea University). A Knowledge Network of Modelling and ICT for Building Resilience towards flooding in mountainous areas of Vietnam

Dr Josephine Ndagire (Makerere University) and Professor Jill Marshall (Royal Holloway University of London). Infusing Law and Policy with the Voices of Displaced Survivors of Sexual Violence in Conflict

Professor Olga Sarmiento (Universidad de Los Andes) and Professor Frank Kelly (King's College London). Road use and air pollution during the traffic-free Ciclovía in Bogotá in Colombia: towards a natural experiment

Dr Cesar Mota (Federal University of Minas Gerais) and Dr Ana Soares (Cranfield University). Sustainable sanitation in Brazil: combining anaerobic treatment with resource recovery from sewage

Dr Yaw Bediako (University of Ghana) and Dr Jean Langhorne (Francis Crick Institute). West-African Immunology Network (W.A.I.N.) - Building immunological research capacity to promote sustainable improvements in health.

Professor Shri Kant Tripathi (Mizoram University               ) and Dr Francis Brearley (Manchester Metropolitan University). Novel methods for nutrient management in shifting cultivation in North-east India: balancing the old and the new

Professor Zenaida Reyes (Philippine Normal University) and Professor Deanne Clouder (Coventry University). An ASEAN interdisciplinary network to promote access and inclusion of disabled students in higher education

Dr Cyprian Misinde (Makerere University) and Dr Michelle Butler (Queen's University Belfast). Worsening child outcomes? Parental imprisonment and its impact on child health, wellbeing and poverty in East Africa.

Dr Arindam Datta (The Energy and Resources Institute) and Professor Jo Smith (University of Aberdeen). Biochar to Address Air Pollution, Climate Change, Food Security and Farmers' Income

Dr Saut Sagala (Resilience Development Initiative) and Professor Gavin Sullivan (Coventry University). South East Asia Resilience Hub (SEARCH): Socio-Economic Resilience of Coastal Communities

Dr Roberto Parra-Saldivar (Tecnologico de Monterrey) and Dr Alfredo Bonaccorso (University of St Andrews). Algae bloom: waste resource for aquaculture and bioenergy industry in Mexico

Dr Linh Bui (Vietnam National University of Agriculture) and Professor Richard Wall (University of Bristol). Strengthening research capacity on ticks and tick-borne disease in S.E. Asia

Professor Mohammad Ziaur Rahman Khan (Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)) and Dr Mohammad Al-Amin (University of Warwick). Enabling cleaner, full-electric transport revolution in Bangladesh

Dr Silgia Aparecida da Costa (Universidade de São Paulo) and Professor Sharon Baurley (Royal College of Art). A Brazil-UK Network for Natural Polymers derived from Local Food Industry By-products

Dr Ghassan Abu Sitta (American University of Beirut) and Professor Mark Zeitoun (University of East Anglia). Building the network to tackle the spread of anti-microbial resistance through water in protracted conflicts

Supporters

GCRF is overseen by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and delivered through a range of partners to include the UK Academies, the UK Space Agency and UK Research and Innovation. The GCRF networking grants are delivered by the UK National Academies working together through our Joint Academies Resilient Futures programme.

The GCRF programme is funded by the UK’s Official Development Assistance programme, which is monitored by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and aims to promote the long-term sustainable growth of countries on the Development Assistance Committee list. GCRF funding is awarded in line with Official Development Assistance guidelines.

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Horizon Europe participation webinar with AMRC

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Exploring climate change and health with the next generation of research leaders - invite only two day workshop

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Future challenges and opportunities for biomedicine in Scotland

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