New GCRF Call for (Re)thinking the Off-Grid City

ESRC on behalf of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) are inviting applications focussed on the human-infrastructure interactions of the world’s most marginalised urban residents, specifically in the context of the wide variety of crises and changes that they face.

Funding has been allocated from the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) which is a £1.5 billion funding stream to support cutting-edge research addressing the problems faced by developing countries.

The aim of (Re)Thinking the Off-Grid City is to support the next generation of cutting-edge inter-disciplinary research with a view towards creating practical policy and programming alternatives, engineering solutions and/or social innovations. Conceptually the call also offers the opportunity to re-think and explore the concept of cities, especially in the context of growing urban populations that are not fully on the formal grid.

Research funded by this call is intended to lead to the generation of new approaches, practical policies, and innovations in governance, design and technology. The emphasis of this research call is on improving access to essential services for the most marginalised urban residents.

Proposals must be led by a researcher at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding. Co-investigators may be based anywhere in the world.

Funding is available for proposals from £500,000 to £2 million (100% fEC) for up to 36 months in duration.

An Intention to Submit should be submitted by 30 May 2019. Proposals should be submitted online by the deadline of 24 July 2019.

Projects should commence between 1 February at the earliest and 1 April 2020 at the latest.

More information about this research funding opportunity and the application process is available on the RESEARCHconnect funding information platform. RESEARCHconnect provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on research funding news and policy. To find out more about how RESEARCHconnect can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.