SVRI Early Career Research Fellowships 2026 – Applications Now Open

Application Deadline: January 31, 2026

The Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) is now accepting applications for its prestigious Early Career Research Fellowships. This targeted program provides an unparalleled opportunity for emerging researchers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to lead innovative, impactful studies on violence against women and children (VAWC). By investing in local expertise, the fellowship seeks to build a more equitable and robust global research community dedicated to ending gender-based violence.

About the SVRI & the Fellowship Mission

The Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) is a global network and the world’s largest research community focused on violence against women and violence against children. The SVRI’s mission is to catalyze research that is rigorous, ethical, and actionable, ensuring evidence is used to inform policies, programs, and services.

This fellowship program directly addresses a critical need: supporting researchers from the very regions most affected by VAWC to conduct locally relevant, culturally informed studies. It empowers these emerging leaders to shape the research agenda, build sustainable research ecosystems at home, and contribute their vital perspectives to the global discourse.

Fellowship Objectives

The program aims to:

• Build Research Capacity: Strengthen fellows’ skills in advanced research methodologies, ethical considerations, data analysis, and academic writing.
• Support Groundbreaking Research: Fund original studies that address significant gaps in knowledge about the prevention of and response to VAWC in LMIC contexts.
• Foster Leadership & Mentorship: Develop fellows’ professional and leadership skills through mentorship and peer support, preparing them to become future leaders in the field.
• Expand a Global Network: Connect fellows with a worldwide community of senior researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and fellow grantees for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Fellowship Benefits & Grant Details

Selected fellows receive a comprehensive support package designed to nurture their research and professional growth over up to two years.

• Research Grant (Disbursed in Installments)

• For Doctoral Candidates: A grant of up to $17,000 USD to support research costs related to their PhD (e.g., data collection, software, transcription, dissemination).
• For Postdoctoral Researchers (within 5 years of PhD): A grant of up to $20,500 USD to support a defined, independent research project.

• Tailored Mentorship: Each fellow is matched with a senior researcher who provides one-on-one guidance throughout the fellowship period.
• Capacity-Building Workshops: Access to specialized virtual trainings on topics like research ethics, mixed-methods approaches, policy engagement, and grant writing.
• SVRI Forum Participation: An opportunity to present their research at a future SVRI Forum, the leading global conference on VAWC research.
• Membership & Networking: Full integration into the SVRI network, including access to working groups, online platforms, and collaborative opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Citizenship & Affiliation: Be a national of a low- or middle-income country (LMIC) and be affiliated with a research institution, university, or non-governmental organization based in an LMIC.
2. Career Stage:

1. Doctoral Track: Be currently enrolled in a PhD program.
2. Postdoctoral Track: Have obtained a PhD within the past five years.

3. Research Focus: The proposed research must focus explicitly on violence against women, violence against children, and/or other forms of gender-based violence. Interdisciplinary and intersectional approaches are encouraged.
4. Project Relevance: The research should address a clear gap in evidence, have strong potential for policy or programmatic impact, and be ethically sound.

Application Process & Key Dates

• Application Portal: All applications must be submitted electronically via Proposal Central.
• Application Deadline: January 31, 2026 (23:59 in the applicant’s local time zone).
• Required Materials: Typically include a detailed research proposal, CV, budget, letters of support from the hosting institution and academic advisor (for PhD candidates), and proof of LMIC affiliation.
• Review & Selection: Applications undergo a rigorous, competitive peer-review process. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.
• Announcement of Awards: Successful applicants will be notified in mid-2026.

How to Apply & Find More Information

Prospective applicants are urged to read the full Request for Proposals (RFP) document, which contains exhaustive details on eligibility, the application format, selection criteria, and grant management policies.

To apply click here

For the official RFP, detailed guidelines, FAQs, and the link to the Proposal Central portal, visit the official fellowship page by clicking here

Who Should Apply?
This fellowship is ideal for passionate, committed early-career researchers in LMICs who are determined to make a substantive contribution to the field of VAWC prevention. It is designed for those ready to lead a significant research project, engage with a global community, and use evidence to drive real-world change for women and children in their communities and beyond.