Apply for WHO Climate and SRHR Research Grants 2026. Funding up to $55,000 for community-led research on climate change and sexual and reproductive health. Deadline: 12 April 2026.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially opened applications for its Climate and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Research Grants 2026, offering up to $55,000 in funding for innovative, community-driven research projects. This initiative is led through WHO’s Special Programme of Research in Human Reproduction (HRP), in collaboration with global partners such as UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, and the World Bank.
With a submission deadline of 12 April 2026, this call invites institutions from low- and middle-income countries to contribute critical research at the intersection of climate change and public health.
Addressing a Growing Global Challenge
Climate change is increasingly recognised as a major driver of health challenges worldwide, particularly in vulnerable communities. Extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves are disrupting access to essential healthcare services, including maternal care, contraception, and safe abortion services. These disruptions often exacerbate existing inequalities linked to gender, poverty, disability, and migration status.
Despite the urgency of the issue, there remains a significant gap in community-level evidence on how climate change impacts SRHR outcomes. This funding opportunity seeks to bridge that gap by supporting locally grounded, participatory research that centres lived experiences.
Priority Research Areas
Applicants are required to focus on one of four key SRHR domains:
- Maternal Health: Exploring how climate-related events affect maternal and newborn health outcomes
- Gender-Based Violence: Investigating links between environmental shocks and increased risks of violence
- Contraception: Assessing disruptions in access to contraceptive services and supply chains
- Abortion Care: Analysing barriers to safe abortion services during climate crises
Each proposal must clearly demonstrate its relevance within the local context and contribute to addressing specific evidence gaps.
Research Approach and Methodology
The programme places strong emphasis on participatory and inclusive research methods. Successful proposals are expected to:
- Engage communities as active co-researchers throughout the project lifecycle
- Apply methodologies such as Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and Participatory Action Research (PAR)
- Incorporate mixed-methods designs, combining qualitative insights with quantitative data
- Use a human rights and intersectional framework to analyse overlapping vulnerabilities
Rather than requiring a fully developed protocol, the call prioritises innovative research ideas with strong conceptual frameworks.
Eligibility and Team Composition
The call is open to a wide range of institutions in low- and middle-income countries, including:
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- Academic and research institutions
- Civil society organisations
- Multi-institutional partnerships
Eligible teams should demonstrate experience in SRHR or climate-related research and include expertise in participatory and mixed-methods approaches. The initiative strongly encourages the inclusion of:
- Early-career researchers
- Women in leadership roles
- Interdisciplinary team members beyond health sciences
Funding and Additional Support
Each selected project will receive up to $55,000 to support implementation. Funding may cover:
- Personnel and community researcher stipends
- Data collection and analysis costs
- Participant support (e.g., transport, childcare)
- Local travel and dissemination activities
- Institutional overheads (up to 13%)
In addition to financial support, selected teams will benefit from:
- Technical guidance from WHO experts
- Access to training and capacity-building resources
- Data analysis tools and software
- Opportunities for cross-country collaboration
Collaborative Workshop in Geneva
A key highlight of the programme is a protocol development workshop scheduled for July 2026 in Geneva. During this session:
- Selected teams will co-develop a shared research protocol
- Common methodologies and tools will be established
- Country-specific adaptations will be integrated
Travel and accommodation for up to two team members per project will be fully covered.
Selection and Timeline
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Research quality and relevance (35%)
- Community engagement (25%)
- Team capacity and feasibility (20%)
- Integration of human rights and intersectionality (20%)
Key dates include:
- Application Deadline: 12 April 2026
- Selection Announcement: 11 May 2026
- Workshop: July 2026
- Data Collection: December 2026 – May 2027
- Dissemination: September – December 2027
Up to six research teams will be selected, with a focus on geographic diversity.
Application Process
Applicants must submit:
- Completed online application form
- Detailed project budget
- CVs of key team members
- Conflict of interest declarations
Late submissions will not be accepted, and all applicants will be notified of the outcome within the specified timeline.
Final Thoughts
The WHO Climate and SRHR Research Grants 2026 represent a powerful opportunity to drive meaningful change in global health systems. By prioritising community-led, participatory research, the initiative aims to generate actionable insights that can inform policy and strengthen resilience in vulnerable regions.
For organisations committed to advancing health equity in the face of climate change, this funding call offers both the resources and the platform to make a lasting impact.
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