SVRI Early Career Research Fellowships 2026

The Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI), with support from the Kering Foundation, invites applications for its 2026 Early Career Research Fellowships. The programme supports doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in low- and middle-income countries studying the intersections of violence against women and violence against children.

Strengthening Locally Led Research on Violence Against Women and Children

The Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI), with the support of the Kering Foundation and in partnership with McGill University, has announced the SVRI Early Career Research Fellowships for 2026. These fellowships are aimed at doctoral and postdoctoral researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) who are committed to advancing research on the often under-explored intersections between violence against women (VAW) and violence against children (VAC).

In 2026, SVRI will award four fellowships in total—two for doctoral candidates and two for postdoctoral researchers. The initiative forms part of a multi-year global research programme that seeks to strengthen leadership, build sustainable research capacity, and generate locally grounded evidence to inform prevention and response efforts addressing violence against women and children.

Addressing Critical Gaps in the Evidence Base

Recognition of the interconnected nature of violence against women and violence against children has grown significantly over the past decade. However, despite this increased awareness, the global evidence base remains fragmented and underdeveloped, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of violence is often highest.

Much of the existing research focuses narrowly on the overlap between intimate partner violence against women and child maltreatment within households. While this is an important area of inquiry, it represents only a portion of the broader landscape of violence experienced by women and children. Other forms of violence—such as community-based violence, structural violence, and violence linked to social and economic inequalities—remain under-researched.

Early global reviews, including findings first presented at the SVRI Forum in 2013, identified six key areas where violence against women and children intersect. These include shared risk factors, harmful social norms, high levels of co-occurrence, intergenerational impacts, compounded lifelong consequences, and adolescence as a period of heightened vulnerability. Subsequent systematic reviews have confirmed strong links between intimate partner violence and child maltreatment but have also highlighted substantial gaps, including inconsistent definitions, limited gender and power analysis, and a lack of longitudinal studies.

Why Locally Led Research Matters

A central concern driving the SVRI Early Career Research Fellowships is the persistent imbalance in who leads and defines research agendas. Too often, studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries are conceptualised, funded, and led by institutions based in high-income countries. This can result in research that is disconnected from local realities, priorities, and lived experiences.

SVRI’s fellowship model intentionally shifts this dynamic by investing directly in locally based early career researchers. Locally led research is more likely to be relevant, sustainable, and impactful, as it is grounded in community knowledge and shaped by those most affected by violence. By strengthening the capacity of researchers in LMICs, the fellowship aims to support evidence generation that can inform policy, programming, and advocacy in meaningful ways.

About the Fellowship Programme

The SVRI–Kering Foundation Early Career Research Fellowships are designed to support scholars who are already engaged in doctoral or postdoctoral research on the intersections of violence against women and violence against children. Fellows are supported for up to two years, allowing sufficient time to conduct rigorous research, analyse findings, and disseminate results.

Available Fellowships include:

Doctoral Fellowships: Two awards of up to USD 17,000 each, for up to two years
Postdoctoral Fellowships: Two awards of up to USD 20,500 each, for up to two years

The funding may cover research costs, travel for a one-week academic site visit to a national or international university, attendance at one academic conference, and up to 15% overheads.

Fellowship Objectives

The fellowship programme is guided by a clear set of objectives that reflect SVRI’s commitment to feminist, equity-driven research. These objectives include:

Strengthening the global evidence base on the intersections of violence against women and violence against children
Building leadership and research capacity among early career researchers in LMICs
Supporting the publication and dissemination of locally generated knowledge
Fostering regional and global networks of researchers committed to gender equity and social justice

In addition to financial support, fellows benefit from mentorship, learning opportunities, and engagement with SVRI’s broader research and advocacy community.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

The fellowships are open to researchers who meet the following criteria:

Nationals of, and residing in, a low- or middle-income country
Enrolled full-time at an accredited, in-person academic institution in an LMIC
Conducting PhD dissertation or postdoctoral research focused on the intersections of VAW and VAC
For doctoral applicants, possession of a defended or institutionally approved dissertation proposal

Preference is given to candidates from underrepresented regions or groups, as well as those who demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing the rights and wellbeing of women and girls.

Selection follows a two-stage process: an initial review by a panel of experts, followed by panel interviews with shortlisted candidates.

Application Process and Deadline

All applications must be submitted online through Proposal Central. First-time users are required to register before accessing the application form. Applications may be submitted in English, French, or Spanish.

Applicants are required to complete an online form and upload supporting documents, including proof of enrolment and nationality, academic transcripts, reference letters, and a detailed research proposal using the SVRI format.

The application deadline is 31 January 2026 at 11:50 pm (South African Time). Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, and early submission is strongly encouraged to avoid technical issues.

Investing in the Next Generation of Researchers

The SVRI Early Career Research Fellowships represent a significant investment in the next generation of researchers working to end violence against women and children. By centring locally led, feminist research and supporting early career scholars, the programme contributes to more inclusive, relevant, and impactful knowledge production.

For researchers committed to addressing violence through evidence, equity, and community engagement, the SVRI fellowship offers a powerful opportunity to deepen their work and expand their influence at both regional and global levels.