US$10,000 Research Funding for Ethical Technology in Humanitarian Action
Introduction
The Global Disaster Preparedness Center (GDPC), in partnership with the French Red Cross Foundation, has launched the 2026 Spotlight Research Grants Program.
The programme supports researchers from Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) conducting policy-relevant research on the ethical use of technology in humanitarian action.
Quick Highlights
Particulars
Details
Programme Name
GDPC Spotlight Research Grants 2026
Organization
Global Disaster Preparedness Center (GDPC)
Partner Organization
French Red Cross Foundation
Grant Value
US$10,000
Research Duration
Up to 8 Months
Application Mode
Online
Application Deadline
31 July 2026 (23:59 UTC)
Project Start
1 November 2026
Category
Funding
Opportunity Overview
Particular
Details
Host Organization
Global Disaster Preparedness Center (GDPC)
Partner
French Red Cross Foundation
Eligible Countries
Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)
Programme Type
Research Grant
Funding Focus
Ethical Technology & Humanitarian Action
Research Languages
English or French
About Organization
The Global Disaster Preparedness Center (GDPC) works to improve disaster preparedness and humanitarian response through innovation, research, and digital solutions.
The programme is delivered in partnership with the French Red Cross Foundation to support evidence-based humanitarian research worldwide.
About Programme
The programme funds original research on the responsible use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), including Artificial Intelligence (AI), in humanitarian settings.
It aims to generate practical evidence that helps humanitarian organizations adopt technology ethically while protecting affected communities.
Grant Benefits
Benefit
Details
Grant Amount
US$10,000
Project Duration
Up to 8 Months
Research Language
English or French
Translation Support
Translation costs may be included in the budget
Research Output
Policy-relevant humanitarian research
Priority Research Areas
Research Theme
Focus Area
Community Needs
Digital humanitarian services and community priorities
ICT Implementation
Technology adoption, infrastructure and operational barriers
Data Protection
Privacy, accountability, misinformation and trust
Ethical AI
Responsible use of AI in humanitarian action
Eligibility Criteria
Requirement
Details
Eligible Applicants
Researchers affiliated with accredited universities in LMICs
Who Can Apply
PhD Candidates, Postdoctoral Researchers, Faculty Members & Research Teams
Research Area
Social Sciences, Humanities or Related Fields
Project Focus
Must align with one of the programme themes
Country Focus
Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)
Eligible Disciplines
Field
Eligible
Sociology
Yes
Anthropology
Yes
Law
Yes
Human Geography
Yes
Psychology
Yes
Management
Yes
Behavioural Sciences
Yes
Other Social Science & Humanities Fields
Yes
Selection Criteria
Criteria
Considered
Scientific Quality
Yes
Policy Impact
Yes
Research Methodology
Yes
Ethical Standards
Yes
Budget Justification
Yes
Project Feasibility
Yes
Local Collaboration
Yes
Required Documents
Document
Required
Application Form
Yes
Research Proposal
Yes
Project Summary
Yes
Budget & Justification
Yes
CV of Principal Investigator
Yes
Research Team CVs
Yes
Institutional Support Letter
If Applicable
Local Stakeholder Support Letter
Yes
Programme Timeline
Event
Date
Applications Open
Currently Open
Application Deadline
31 July 2026 (23:59 UTC)
Project Start
1 November 2026
Project Duration
Up to 8 Months
Final Report Submission
30 June 2027
How to Apply
Step
Action
Step 1
Complete the online eligibility form
Step 2
Access the official application portal
Step 3
Prepare the research proposal and required documents
Researchers affiliated with accredited universities in LMICs.
Which research areas are supported?
Ethical AI, ICTs, data protection and humanitarian technology.
What is the application deadline?
31 July 2026 (23:59 UTC).
When do projects begin?
1 November 2026.
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The GDPC Spotlight Research Grants 2026 provide an excellent opportunity for researchers working at the intersection of technology, AI ethics, and humanitarian action. The programme encourages practical, policy-focused research with real-world impact.
Applicants should prepare strong research proposals supported by realistic budgets and community-focused methodologies before the deadline.
