UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund: Institutional Capacity Building for Data-Driven Development in Fragile States

The UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) has launched a targeted call for proposals focused on institutional capacity building for data-driven development in fragile states. This opportunity is designed to address the critical lack of data infrastructure and human capital in countries affected by conflict, weak governance, and high vulnerability to shocks. The call recognizes that without robust data systems, fragile states cannot effectively plan and implement development policies, respond to emergencies, or track progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program will fund partnerships between UK research organizations and institutions in eligible LMICs, with the aim of strengthening local capacities in data generation, management, analysis, and use. Grants range from £500,000 to £2 million, covering up to 36 months. The UKRI expects applications to demonstrate a clear theory of change, a strong partnership model, and a commitment to ethical data practices. Importantly, the call emphasizes ODA compliance, ensuring that the primary benefit of the research accrues to the fragile state. Applicants should be aware that the deadline is August 30, 2026, allowing sufficient time for developing a competitive proposal. GSLI's training programs can significantly enhance an application by providing the project management, financial management, and monitoring and evaluation skills that UKRI evaluators seek. This overview serves as the first deep-dive into the call, covering eligibility, priorities, and actionable steps.

Strategic Overview

Who is it For?

This opportunity is open to UK-based research organizations (including universities, research institutes, and independent research organizations) eligible for UKRI funding, in partnership with research institutions in fragile states as defined by the OECD or World Bank fragility lists. Key partner countries include those in Sub-Saharan Africa (e.g., Somalia, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo), parts of the Middle East (e.g., Yemen, Syria), and South Asia (e.g., Afghanistan). Applicants must demonstrate that the lead UK organization has a strong track record in international development research and data science, while the LMIC partner(s) must be legally registered, have operational capacity in data collection or analysis, and be based in ODA-eligible countries. The call encourages consortia that include civil society organizations, government statistical offices, and private sector data analytics firms. Priority will be given to proposals that build on existing partnerships and local knowledge, ensuring that capacity building is demand-driven and sustainable. Organizations with experience in fragile contexts, such as those working on refugee statistics, health data in conflict zones, or economic indicators in post-disaster settings, are particularly well-suited. Applicants must also commit to open data principles and equitable partnership models, where LMIC partners have real decision-making power and budget control.

Priorities

UKRI's GCRF program prioritizes research that addresses global challenges in ODA-eligible countries, with a strong emphasis on building research capacity and fostering sustainable partnerships. For this specific call, the key investment KPIs include: (1) increased number of LMIC researchers and institutions with improved data management skills, as measured by pre- and post-training assessments; (2) establishment of data governance frameworks that adhere to ethical standards, including data sovereignty and privacy; (3) development of at least one open-access data repository or dashboard that is used by policymakers; (4) evidence of uptake of data-driven policies or interventions in the target fragile state; and (5) long-term financial sustainability of the capacity-building initiative beyond the grant period. The UKRI also expects alignment with the UK Aid Strategy, focusing on poverty reduction, gender equality, and climate resilience. Proposals must articulate how data-driven development can address specific challenges such as vaccine delivery in conflict zones, famine early warning systems, or refugee integration. Cross-cutting themes include digital inclusion, addressing the digital divide, and ensuring that marginalized groups (e.g., women, persons with disabilities) benefit from improved data systems. The donor values innovation in data science (e.g., use of satellite imagery, mobile phone data) but requires a strong ethical framework to prevent harm in fragile settings.

Eligibility

Eligibility requirements are stringent and include both institutional and project-level criteria. On the institutional side, the lead UK applicant must be a recognized research organization eligible for UKRI funding, with a demonstrated ability to manage ODA grants (e.g., previous GCRF or Newton Fund awards). The LMIC partner must be a legally registered entity in an ODA-eligible fragile state, with audited financial statements for the past two years and a bank account in the country. Project-level criteria include: a total grant request between £500,000 and £2 million, covering up to 36 months; at least 50% of the budget must be allocated to LMIC partners (direct costs), with no more than 30% for UK overheads; co-funding is not mandatory but leveraged resources are encouraged. Compliance with ODA rules is critical: the project must be directly relevant to the development challenges of the fragile state and not primarily benefit the UK. Applicants must submit a detailed budget narrative, risk assessment (including political instability, currency fluctuation, and staff turnover), and a data management plan. Ethical approval from both UK and LMIC institutions is required if the research involves human subjects. Additionally, any equipment procurement over £10,000 must follow UKRI procurement guidelines. Organizations previously found in breach of UKRI's terms (e.g., for misreporting) are ineligible. Applications must be submitted via the UKRI Joint Electronic Submission (Je-S) system by the deadline.

Path to Success

Strategic roadmap with GSLI integration: Step 1: Build a Strong Consortium (Months 1-3) – Identify UK and LMIC partners with complementary expertise in data science, fragile state research, and capacity building. Use GSLI's network to connect with vetted institutions. Formalize partnership agreements that outline co-ownership of data and equitable budget distribution. Step 2: Co-Design the Proposal (Months 4-6) – Conduct a needs assessment with LMIC partners to identify specific data gaps (e.g., lack of health data interoperability in a conflict zone). Develop a theory of change linking capacity building to development outcomes. Integrate GSLI's Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Project Management for Development courses to strengthen your proposal's management framework. Step 3: Develop ODA-Compliant Budget and Risk Plan (Months 7-9) – Allocate at least 50% of budget to LMIC partners, include costs for data management, ethics review, and contingency for political instability. Enroll key staff in GSLI's Financial Management for NGOs and Grants Management courses to ensure compliance with UKRI audit requirements. Step 4: Write and Submit (Months 10-12) – Draft the full proposal in Je-S, including a detailed data management plan and risk matrix. Review with GSLI's Writing Winning Proposals course. Submit by the deadline with strong letters of support from LMIC government agencies. Post-submission, prepare for potential interviews by training your team with GSLI's Fundraising & Resource Mobilization course, which covers donor pitching.

Recommended GSLI Courses

Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)
Project Management for Development
Procurement & Supply Chain
Writing Winning Proposals

Deadline: 2026-08-30

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal