Development research

Aim

The Academy of Finland funds problem-oriented and multidisciplinary development research (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 various 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 foremost aims of Finland’s development policy programme, approved by a Government resolution on 18 October 2007, are to eradicate poverty and promote sustainable development in accordance with aims set in the UN Millennium Declaration. In accordance with the general development policy objectives, the themes of the call are:

  • eradicating extreme poverty
  • ensuring the sustainability of the environment
  • combating global health problems
  • promoting equality, human rights, democracy and good governance
  • improving global security
  • increasing economic, social and cultural interaction.

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 objectives, 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 accordance with the Academy’s general review criteria. Applications are also reviewed in terms of their relevance to the themes indicated in the call and the project’s cooperation and contacts with developing countries and their development policy relevance. The application shall include a separate description of the impact and the applicability of the research results.

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

Funding

See section 1.1, Academy 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. Research projects shall strive for active collaboration with researchers and research institutes in developing countries.

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

Funding period

The funding period starts 1 September 2012. As a rule, the funding is granted for four years.

Appendices

See Appendix 1 A, Application appendices.

How to apply

In this call, the costs of a research project are calculated according to the full cost model. Applications shall be written so as to ensure that the Academy’s contribution to funding comes to no more than 80% of the estimated total costs of the project. See guidelines on how to enter the costs in the application on the Academy’s website under Full cost model

The deadline is 30 September 2011 at 16.15. The deadline is non-negotiable. Applications are drafted in the Academy’s online services, select Open calls > Development research.

More information

  • Science Adviser Riitta Launonen, tel. +358 9 7748 8229

Updated according to September call 2011

Last changed 12/09/2011

More information

Applications for funding for development research are invited in the Academy’s Autumn call.

The funding decisions of the Sub-committee for Development Research can be found at the Academy’s website at Funding decisions by searching with the title of the call (for instance ‘2010 Development research’).

The October call for applications provides detailed guidelines on how to submit applications and on required appendices.

For more information, contact Science Adviser Riitta Launonen, tel. +358 (0)9 7748 8229. Consult the call for applications before contacting the Academy.