The Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC) in partnership with the UK Department for International Development (DFID) has announced funding under its new call for Development Frontiers Research.
Development Frontiers research can be broadly defined as involving pioneering theoretical and methodological innovation, and/or research based on the engagement of a range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives including new links across disciplines that do not usually work together and across non-traditional partnerships. The expectation is that this research will provide a major stimulus to new and novel streams of enquiry or practice.
Characteristics of Development Frontiers research will include the following:
- Results that will radically change accepted thinking
- The outcome may be uncertain and the research could lead to unexpected insights
- The research is potentially higher-risk/higher-reward
- The research will produce a broad base of knowledge and new thinking/insights likely to contribute towards the solution of recognised or expected current or future problems or possibilities
- The research is not incremental
Development Frontiers research might also include:
- Radical ways of giving voices to the poor
- Novel forms of South-South partnership
- Early entrant research on emerging issues.
Applications which are not deemed to have the characteristics outlined in the scope of the call will be rejected. Projects with developing country leads and developing country partners are strongly encouraged.
There will be a stage-gating process for the Development Frontiers Research Fund. Projects will initially be funded for 18 months with a stage one budget of up to £100,000. At the end of year one, projects will be invited to bid for a further 18 months of funding up to £200,000 to continue their research.
Initial applications are invited for projects with a FEC value of up to £100,000 and a duration of 18 months.
Deadline for applications: 16.00 UK time on 29 November 2012
For more information, visit this link.
