R2HC Call for research to strengthen health systems in humanitarian settings
R2HC aims to improve health outcomes by strengthening the evidence base for public health interventions in humanitarian crises. Addressing leading causes of morbidity and mortality, we are looking for research proposals that seek to improve the functioning of a health system and health outcomes in a humanitarian setting.
Projects Funded Through This Call
Explore the projects that have received funding from this call. Each project showcases innovative solutions addressing [relevant field or focus area].
This funding call is now closed. We are seeking proposals for research that will strengthen the evidence base for public health interventions in humanitarian crises and contribute to better health outcomes for people affected by crisis. Addressing leading causes of morbidity and mortality, your research question will seek to improve the functioning of a health system and health outcomes in a humanitarian setting by addressing one or more health system building blocks. Applicants should apply a systems thinking approach to explore the impact of interventions to improve health outcomes in complex, real-world humanitarian settings. Proposals focusing on needs of women and girls are particularly encouraged.
Get the full details in the Call Guidelines
For all key information about this funding call, including the eligibility criteria, application timelines, and a glossary of key terms, please read the Call Guidelines.
Proposals should be informed by the needs of people who use the health system in the humanitarian setting(s) in which your study will be conducted, and applicants should engage with relevant stakeholders to determine the key health system challenge to be addressed. Your proposal must demonstrate how the research findings will be used by identified stakeholders to strengthen the health system and improve health outcomes at a local, national or global level.
Research Uptake
All research should be designed so that humanitarian stakeholders will be able to apply the evidence produced to policy and practice. To achieve this, research teams will need to be ‘positioned for impact’, with established stakeholder relationships in place or included as team members. Refer to the Call Guidelines and video below for more detail.
What defines a 'humanitarian crisis'?
Humanitarian settings can include conflict-affected locations, complex emergencies, environmental crises, and settings hosting refugees or IDPs. A full definition is available in our Call Guidelines.
What is a 'systems thinking' approach?
We are looking for research that addresses the complexity of delivering health services in real-world settings. Your research study should consider one or more WHO health system building blocks. See our Call Guidelines and the video below for more information.
This funding call has a two-stage selection process: an initial Expression of Interest stage, and a subsequent Full Proposal stage for shortlisted applicants. Successful Full Proposals will have up to 18 months in which to undertake the research and uptake activities.
We are currently awaiting confirmation that resources are available for this funding call. We anticipate that funds will be confirmed by 31 March, before applicants are invited to submit Full Proposals. However, as applicants to the R2HC, we want to make you aware that there is a slight risk that the full research call may not go ahead.
Essential reading
It is important that you read the following before applying for this funding.
- Call Guidelines - English and French.
- Key recommendations for R2HC applicants
- Application guidance and FAQs
We also hosted a launch webinar on the 9th February where we introduced the two funding calls and answered questions. You can watch the recording of this webinar under videos below.
How to apply
All applications must be submitted via the online Common Grants Application system:
- If you have applied for R2HC funding before, please login to apply here.
- If you have never applied for R2HC funding before, please register to apply here.
All applications must be submitted in English.
Videos
These videos provide important information about specific aspects of this funding call.
Background resources
Additional resources to help you prepare your research proposal.
- Humanitarian Health Evidence Review
- Updated Ethics Tool and introduction to the tool.
- Research Uptake and Guidance Note
- Evidence Review of Gender-Based Violence Research Methodologies (if relevant)
Title photo credit: T.Fauszt, International Rescue Committee.
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Resources produced
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Frequently Asked Questions
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We do not fund research in countries that are not included in the DAC list of ODA recipients. In addition, we are unable to fund research in countries that are currently subject to international sanctions. You should make yourself aware of the current sanction laws and relevant legislation, and be prepared to apply for any government licences if required. To be certain, we advise you to discuss with your legal counsel if required.
This research call is not specifically focused on COVID-19. In 2020, R2HC funded 15 studies to support COVID-19 response in humanitarian settings through a dedicated funding call, which is now closed. To be eligible for this funding call, if you want to focus on COVID-19 your proposal will need to clearly demonstrate that it meets the overall eligibility criteria and scope of the funding call as outlined in the Call Guidelines. Research studies must seek to improve the functioning of a health system in a humanitarian setting.
We hope to be able to fund 10-15 proposals across the two funding calls. However, this will depend on the total funding pot available (still to be confirmed) and the quality of the applications received. In previous years we have received approximately 150 eligible applications for our annual funding calls and been able to fund 5-10 proposals.
We include a rebuttal period in the review stage of the Full Proposal application process. This will provide an opportunity for applicants to respond to comments or questions raised by technical experts during their reviews. You will be given one week to provide clarifications. Your full proposal, the technical reviews, and your rebuttal response will then all be reviewed by Funding Committee members.
It will not be possible for you to amend your proposal in any way, just to provide additional information or clarifications. The rebuttal period is expected to be in July 2022.
You will receive an email confirming receipt. Applicants will be informed of the outcome of the shortlisting process by mid-May 2022.
Successful Full Proposals will have up to 18 months in which to undertake the research and uptake activities. Studies should plan to start in January 2023 and end in July 2024.
We require that each study team includes a research uptake focal point. To find out more about what we expect from this role and why it is so important, please watch this short video prepared by our Research Impact Manager, Cordelia Lonsdale.
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