Call for Research Proposals: Larger research projects in support of RAMP thematic areas

As part of the Resilience and Adaptation Mainstreaming Program (RAMP), the University Network for Strengthening Macrofinancial Resilience to Climate and Environmental Change (the ‘University Network’) - hosted by the Centre for Sustainable Finance at SOAS - is seeking research funding proposals from member universities that support ambitious and complex projects involving multiple researchers (typically a principal investigator and several co-investigators).

This call for proposals complements the first RAMP call for proposals in August 2023 that was a call for “Case Study Research in support of RAMP Curriculum on Climate Adaptation, Finance and Risk Management.” Those case study proposals were capped at $5,000. This second call for proposals is for “larger research projects” since the ceiling amount is larger.

Under this call, larger research funding proposals should:

• undertake new research focused on topics relevant to RAMP and the University Network
• make contributions to the existing body of research in the field of climate change adaptation economics, finance, and programme design
• generate policy, economic and/or societal impact

Each larger research project contract will be between US$25,000 and US$50,000, with two tiers. Proposals valued at $25,000 to $37,500 can be submitted by one team at one University Network institution. Proposals valued above $37,500 to $50,000 will require a clearly defined collaboration between academics representing at least two University Network member institutions in two different countries. We anticipate awarding up to five research contracts in this call for proposals. All proposals must be submitted by 11:59pm GMT on Wednesday, 10 January 2024.

This funding is only available for member universities of the 'University Network'. These currently include: Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA); Independent University, Bangladesh; Makerere University; University of Cape Town; University of Dar es Salaam; University of Economics, Ho Chi Minh City; University of Ghana; University of Nairobi; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Rwanda; The University of the West Indies; University of Zambia.

Expectations for the research undertaken

The proposed research should be methodologically rigorous and make significant contributions to the existing body of research related to the economics, finance, and/or programme design related to climate change adaptation.

Larger research projects are expected to run for the length of up to one calendar year, from 1 March 2024 to 28 February 2025, with results published in a University Network working paper series following peer review in early 2025.

Researchers are expected to respond to reviewers’ comments and incorporate recommendations, as appropriate, into final products. They will be invited to present their research findings during a seminar or workshop organised by the University Network Secretariat.

Instructions for Applicants

Proposals are for a lump sum contract of US$25,000 to a maximum of US$50,000 (including any applicable taxes and fees) and should be submitted no later than 11:59 pm GMT on 10 January 2024. Proposals should not exceed eight A4 pages not including attachments and must include the following:

Cover Page – Proposals should be clearly marked on the cover page with:

• Title of the proposal;
• Name and contact details of the principal investigator and their organisation; and
• Abstract (max 200 words).

Proposal Narrative – The proposal narrative should include:

• Details of the planned research, including the question being addressed, why it is important and how it relates to RAMP thematic areas;
• The work to be undertaken, including the theoretical approaches and methods to be used;
• Details of the team contributing, including roles and responsibilities if a collaboration across institutions is proposed;
• Expected results, including thoughts on generating policy, economic and/or societal impact; and
• A rough budget.

Researcher Profile(s) – The researcher profile(s) should include:

• An overview of the personnel contributing (name, title, respective department);
• A brief (up to one page) description of relevant experience and qualifications of the researcher or research team;
• A curriculum vitae for each researcher, including the publications list (as attachments to the proposal, not counting towards the eight A4 pages).

All documents should be submitted to the University Network Secretariat via email: universitynetwork@soas.ac.uk

Evaluation and selection process

Following peer evaluation, applicants will be notified of the decision by 19 January 2024. The selected proposals will be able to demonstrate:

• a clearly defined research proposal
• a direct connection and relevance to at least one RAMP thematic area
• experience in similar work
• a strong impact narrative
• ability to complete all elements in the proposal in a timely fashion
• substantive collaboration with at least one other member of the University Network (for proposals above $37,500)
• a budget justifying the funding amount applied for

Timeline

Any questions regarding the call for proposals as well as the proposals themselves should be received by 30 November 2023. Answers will be shared with all University Network members by 4 December 2023.

The funding contracts will be made with the university or universities of the winning researchers (not individuals).

Key Dates

• Submission of questions to universitynetwork@soas.ac.uk by 30 November 2023. Responses will be circulated by 4 December 2023.
• Submission of proposals: 10 January 2024, 11.59pm GMT.
• University Network review of proposals and selection of winners: 19 January 2024.
• Issuance of contracts and funder approval: February 2024.
• Start of research projects: 1 March 2024 (latest).
• Annotated research outline due and first invoice for payment: 1 May 2024 (latest)
• Progress report, research presentation, and second invoice for payment: 1 August 2024 (latest)
• Delivery of first draft for review process: 1 January 2025 (latest)
• Final research project delivery following review and revisions and third invoice for payment: 28 February 2025 (latest)

No proposal development costs shall be charged to the University Network and its funders. The University Network reserves the right to seek bidder clarifications during the proposal review stage and to negotiate with those bidders deemed to be within a competitive range.

The University Network may, at its discretion and without explanation, choose to discontinue this request for proposals without obligation to potential bidders.