WHO Climate and SRH Research Grant 2026: Up to $55,000 for Key Studies
Climate change poses a growing threat to health worldwide, especially in areas like sexual and reproductive health where extreme weather disrupts lives. The WHO Climate and SRH Research Grant offers a vital chance for research teams in low- and middle-income countries to win up to $55,000 in funding. This program from the World Health Organization supports studies on how climate impacts these health issues. This article covers program details, key benefits, who qualifies, focus areas, and how to apply.
About the WHO Climate and SRH Research Grant
The WHO Climate and SRH Research Grant targets how climate events like droughts, floods, and extreme heat harm sexual and reproductive health. Teams from low- and middle-income countries submit proposals through WHO’s Human Reproduction Programme. The goal is to create evidence driven by communities facing these challenges.
Selected teams join a global effort. They attend a Protocol Development Workshop in Geneva in July 2026 to build a shared research plan. WHO pays for travel and lodging for up to two members per team. Applicants share a research vision instead of a complete study plan.
Key SRH areas affected by climate change include:
- Maternal health during disasters
- Gender-based violence in crises
- Access to contraception amid shocks
- Abortion care in affected areas
Why This Opportunity Matters
Climate change affects health in many ways, but its ties to sexual and reproductive health need more study. This grant steps in to close those gaps. It backs research led by communities, so people hit hardest by floods or heat help shape the work.
Local researchers gain power through this support. Their findings carry weight for policies that match real needs. Interdisciplinary methods blend health, climate, and rights views for stronger results. In the end, solutions come from those who live the problems.
What Participants Will Gain
Research teams receive strong backing from this grant. Funding reaches up to $55,000 for staff, community work, data gathering, and sharing results. Other perks build skills and connections.
Here are the main gains:
- Up to $55,000 in funding for project costs like personnel and data collection.
- Capacity-building resources such as training, tools, and expert advice on research steps.
- International collaboration with teams from other countries for shared ideas and comparisons.
- Access to WHO networks including ethics help, country offices, and guidance on sharing findings.
- Participatory methods where communities act as co-researchers to boost impact and trust.
Who Can Apply
Teams in low- and middle-income countries, especially WHO priority spots, can apply. The lead investigator and main members must work from an eligible nation. Partners from rich countries can join but take no more than 15% of funds and cannot lead.
Eligible groups include:
- Academic and research institutions
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Community-based organizations
- Civil society groups
- Multi-institutional teams
Teams need these skills:
- Past work in SRH or climate research
- Strength in participatory and mixed-methods studies
- Solid ties to local communities
- Ability to blend fields like health and environment
Research Focus Areas
Applicants pick one of four key questions for their work. Each ties climate change to sexual and reproductive health rights.
- Maternal health outcomes in the context of climate change.
- Gender-based violence during climate-related events.
- Access to contraception during climate shocks.
- Access to abortion care in climate-affected settings.
All studies must use a human rights-based and intersectional approach. This means looking at how gender, income, and migration add to risks.
Application Process and Deadline
Teams submit through the official WHO/HRP online platform. Include a budget, CVs for key members, and conflict of interest forms. Check all parts carefully.
| Milestone | Date/Details |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 12 April 2026 (23:59 GMT+1) |
| Notifications | By 11 May 2026 |
| Protocol Workshop | Geneva, July 2026 (travel covered) |
Submit early to avoid issues. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Apply via the official WHO research proposals platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the WHO Climate and SRH Research Grant?
Teams from low- and middle-income countries, including academic institutions, NGOs, and community groups with experience in SRH or climate research, can apply. Partners from high-income countries can join but cannot lead or take more than 15% of funds.
What funding and benefits does the grant provide?
Teams receive up to $55,000 for project costs, plus capacity-building resources, international collaboration, WHO network access, and participatory methods with communities.
What are the main research focus areas?
Research must address one of four areas: maternal health outcomes, gender-based violence, access to contraception, or abortion care in climate-affected settings, using a human rights-based approach.
When is the application deadline and what happens next?
Submit by 12 April 2026 (23:59 GMT+1); notifications come by 11 May 2026, followed by a workshop in Geneva in July 2026.