Development research, inck. Targeted Funding (Water and Development)

Aim

The Academy funds problem-oriented and multidisciplinary development research (on developing countries) together with the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

In development research, the problems to be studied may derive from the local as well as the global level, or from a search and analysis of the connections between development phenomena at different levels.

Development research describes and interprets dimensions of development, helps in understanding the obstacles to development and finds ways in which those obstacles can be removed. In practical terms, the aim is to produce knowledge that can help solve problems related to, for example, health, natural resources, the economy and education. On the other hand, knowledge is also needed about the way in which international, national and cultural systems work, and about the limitations that these systems present to and the opportunities they offer for development. These lines of inquiry in development research are not mutually exclusive but complementary.

The overarching goal of Finland’s development policy programme (Government decision-in-principle 16 Feb 2012) is the eradication of extreme poverty and securing a life of human dignity for all people in accordance with the UN Millennium Declaration Goals. Development policy is also a way to find solutions to other global challenges, such as the unsustainable use of natural resources and climate change.

In line with the general development policy goals, the themes of the call are:

• a democratic and accountable society that promotes human rights
• an inclusive green economy that promotes employment
• sustainable management of natural resources and environmental protection
• human development.

The research may also focus on other themes relevant in terms of the objectives of the call and Finland’s development cooperation and development policy goals, such as critical studies on development policy and objectives, critical examination of development policy coherence and matters related to sustainable development in terms of the natural economy, and the economy in general, and in social terms.

Applications for research grants for development research are reviewed in line with the Academy’s general evaluation criteria. Applications are also reviewed in terms of their relevance to the scope of the call and the project’s contacts with developing countries and their development policy relevance. The application shall include a separate description of the impact and applicability of the expected research results.

After the funding has ended, the projects shall submit a report to the Academy and information on publications and key results to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Targeted funding: Water and development

Besides funding for the general themes of the call, an additional appropriation of EUR 1 million from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs is also available. The theme of this targeted funding is Water and development. Projects to be funded can relate to one or several of the following thematic areas:

• right to water
• ownership and management models for water in developing countries
• water, food safety and energy
• water efficiency (particularly in agriculture)
• management of transboundary waters
• experiences gained from the UN Millennium Declaration Goals in water and sanitation
• climate change and water resources
• water as part of extensive security.

Funding

Academy funding can be used to cover both direct and indirect research costs arising from, for example, the research team’s  

• working hours
• research costs
• travel
• national and international collaboration and mobility
• work and researcher training abroad
• costs arising from the preparation of international projects.

In addition, funding may also be granted for pilot studies and for the preparation of research projects together with researchers and research institutes based in developing countries. The projects shall strive for active collaboration with researchers and research institutes in developing countries.

Restrictions

PIs can be granted simultaneous funding for both an Academy Project and a development research project, provided that the projects have a different theme. If the applicant has an ongoing development research project, he or she can be granted funding for another such project only for very compelling reasons.

Funding period

As a rule, the funding is granted for four years. The funding for projects granted targeted funding (Water and development) is for two years. The Academy and the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs have earmarked a total of some EUR 4 million for the call, of which the targeted funding (Water and development) accounts for EUR 1 million.

Appendices

See Appendix 1 A (in the call for applications), Appendices to application.

How to apply

The deadline is in September

If your application concerns the targeted funding (Water and development), add the code Water in front of the title of your research.

Draft the application so as to ensure that the Academy’s contribution to funding comes to no more than 70% of the estimated total project costs. See more details on our website under Full cost model.

More information

Science ddviser mentioned in previous call for applications.

Updated according to September call 2012