STEG Small Research Grants 2024: Apply for £10,000-£25,000 Funding for Structural Transformation and Economic Growth Research

The Small Research Grants (SRGs) program, organized by the Structural Transformation and Economic Growth (STEG) initiative, is now accepting applications for its eighth call for proposals, with a submission deadline set for Monday, 30 September 2024, at 23:59 BST. These grants are aimed at supporting research projects focused on understanding the processes of structural transformation and economic growth, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Grant Details

Researchers can apply for grants ranging from £10,000 to £25,000, which can be used to fund research assistance, data collection or purchase, and potentially stipends or teaching buyouts, depending on eligibility. The grants may also cover travel costs to field sites, which STEG views as essential for researchers who are new to conducting studies in their chosen regions. The application budgets must adhere to the STEG Budget Guidelines, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and value for money.

Research projects are expected to be completed within 12 months from the start of the grant period, and decisions on funding are typically issued within three months following the deadline.

Focus Areas and Research Themes

Research proposals should explore broad patterns of structural transformation and growth across various countries or time periods. Alternatively, they can address one or more of the following six STEG research themes:

1. Data, measurement, and conceptual framing
2. Firms, frictions, spillovers, and industrial policy
3. Labour, home production, and structural transformation at the household level
4. Agricultural productivity and sectoral gaps
5. Trade and spatial frictions
6. Political economy and public investment

STEG encourages research proposals that engage with one or more of its cross-cutting issues:

• Gender
• Climate change and environmental impact
• Inequality and social inclusion

Projects that address these issues will receive additional consideration during the evaluation process.

Evaluation Criteria

Each proposal will be evaluated on several key criteria:

1. Quality of proposed research
2. Relevance to policy, especially in low-income and Sub-Saharan African countries
3. Feasibility and credibility of the research plan
4. Value for money
5. Contributions to the broader field of structural transformation and growth

Proposals focused on middle- or high-income countries must demonstrate how their findings will be relevant to policy in low-income countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Eligibility

Researchers from around the world are encouraged to apply. Principal investigators should hold a PhD or be enrolled in a PhD program, although exceptions can be made for those with a strong history of academic or policy-relevant research. PhD students are also eligible to apply for SRGs but must submit a letter of support from their PhD supervisor within two weeks of the application deadline.

Due to current political and economic sanctions, STEG is not accepting applications from researchers affiliated with Russian institutions.

COVID-19 Considerations

Given the potential for delays due to COVID-19, applicants relying on face-to-face surveys or fieldwork must include alternative plans in case the pandemic affects field research. Proposals should also outline how researchers intend to ensure the safety of both themselves and their participants during fieldwork.

Application Process

Applicants are required to submit their proposals using the templates provided on the STEG website. These templates include guidelines for structuring both the research proposal and the budget. Applications should be submitted through the SRG Application Form on the Hub.

The grants are contracted directly with individual researchers, and no overhead fees can be applied to the grant funding. Full details regarding the grant contracts, evaluation process, and budget guidelines can be found in the SRG Applicant Guide, available on the STEG website.

For any additional questions, applicants are encouraged to reach out to the STEG Team at steg@cepr.org.

Important Dates

• Deadline for submission: 23:59 BST, Monday, 30 September 2024
• Funding decisions issued: Within three months of the deadline
• Project start date: One month after contract signature

The STEG Small Research Grants program presents a unique opportunity for researchers to contribute to the understanding of key issues related to structural transformation and economic growth, with a particular emphasis on policies relevant to low-income countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.