UNESCO SCRS Grant 2026 supports African researchers whose natural-science research was interrupted by armed conflict or a natural or biological hazard, providing small grants to resume, complete or safeguard important parts of interrupted research.
The programme is administered by UNESCO as a pilot small-grants initiative focused on natural-science and interdisciplinary research with a substantial natural-science component, aiming to preserve data, research capacity and essential scientific work in Africa.
UNESCO SCRS Grant Benefits
- Up to USD 2,000 each
- Proposed activities must be completable within six months
- Support may cover consumables, small research supplies, local fieldwork, research travel, data collection, data processing, secure storage, minor equipment repair, essential short-term access to equipment or facilities, and laboratory, publication, or open-access costs.
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UNESCO SCRS Grant Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be African nationals.
- They must be based at a recognized university or research institute in an African country.
- Applicants must hold at least a Master’s degree or an equivalent recognized research qualification.
- They must conduct natural-science research or interdisciplinary research with a substantial natural-science component.
- They must show that their research was interrupted by armed conflict or a natural or biological hazard within the previous three years, or that it remains materially affected.
- Applicants must propose activities that can be completed within six months and within the USD 2,000 grant ceiling.
- They must provide a signed support letter from an authorized representative of the host institution.
- They must confirm that the same costs are not being funded from another source.
- Women scientists, researchers under 40, and researchers from least developed countries and Small Island Developing States in Africa are particularly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply for UNESCO SCRS Grant
- Applicants should prepare the required documents and complete the application form in English or French.
- Submit a signed application with institutional support and any required research, ethics, or fieldwork authorization.
- Completed and signed application form (English or French)
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Proof of highest relevant qualification
- Signed institutional support letter from an authorized representative of the host institution
- Any required ethics, research or fieldwork authorization
Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Sunday, 15 November 2026. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the UNESCO SCRS Grant Scholarship 2026. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, required documents, and how to apply based on the official programme information.
What is the UNESCO SCRS Grant?
The UNESCO SCRS Grant is a pilot small-grants initiative to support African researchers whose natural-science research was interrupted by armed conflict or a natural or biological hazard. It aims to help researchers resume, complete, or safeguard important parts of interrupted research and to preserve data and research capacity.
Who can apply for the grant?
Applicants must be African nationals based at a recognized university or research institute in an African country. They must hold at least a Master’s degree or an equivalent recognized research qualification and conduct natural-science research or interdisciplinary research with a substantial natural-science component.
What types of disruptions qualify an applicant?
Applicants must show that their research was interrupted by armed conflict or a natural or biological hazard within the previous three years, or that it remains materially affected. The grant is focused on research interrupted or still affected by such crises.
How much funding is available per award?
Grantees may receive up to USD 2,000 each. The programme offers a small number of institutional grants (six awards) intended to fund focused, practical activities that can be completed within six months and within the USD 2,000 grant ceiling.
What can the grant fund?
Support may cover consumables, small research supplies, local fieldwork, research travel, data collection, data processing, secure storage, minor equipment repair, essential short-term access to equipment or facilities, and laboratory, publication, or open-access costs.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 15 November 2026, 23:59 Paris time. Applicants should ensure their submissions, including institutional support letters and any required authorizations, are completed by this deadline.
What documents are required for application?
Required documents include a completed and signed application form (English or French), a curriculum vitae (CV), proof of highest relevant qualification, a signed institutional support letter from an authorized representative of the host institution, and any required ethics, research or fieldwork authorization.
In what languages can I apply?
Applicants may complete the application form and submit required documents in either English or French, as stated in the official guidance for the UNESCO SCRS Grant.
How long should proposed activities take?
Proposed activities must be completable within six months. The grant is designed for focused, practical activities that resume, complete, or safeguard important parts of interrupted research within this timeframe.
Are there any applicant groups particularly encouraged to apply?
Yes. Women scientists, researchers under 40, and researchers from least developed countries and Small Island Developing States in Africa are particularly encouraged to apply for the UNESCO SCRS Grant.
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