WHO Climate and SRH Research Grant 2026: Up to $55,000 for Key Research

The World Health Organization has opened the WHO Climate and SRH Research Grant 2026. This grant offers up to USD 55,000 for research teams in low- and middle-income countries. It focuses on how climate change affects sexual and reproductive health, or SRH. Key areas include maternal health and access to care during disasters. The deadline is 12 April 2026 at 23:59 GMT+1. Researchers should apply soon to join this important work. This article covers program details, who can apply, focus areas, benefits, and how to submit.

This grant supports teams studying how climate events like droughts, floods, and extreme heat harm SRH. It looks at issues such as maternal health, gender-based violence, access to contraception, and abortion care. Teams do not need to submit a full research plan. Instead, they propose a research vision that shows their skills and ties to local communities. A big part of the program is the Protocol Development Workshop in Geneva in July 2026. WHO covers travel and stay for up to two team members per team. The work uses participatory methods, where communities help shape the research. It also draws on different fields like health and environment. Here are the main SRH impacts from climate events:

• Maternal health outcomes during climate shocks
• Gender-based violence in disaster settings
• Access to contraception when climate events hit
• Abortion care in areas affected by climate change

Key Takeaways

• This grant provides up to USD 55,000 for research teams in low- and middle-income countries studying climate change effects on sexual and reproductive health.
• Focus areas include maternal health, gender-based violence, contraception access, and abortion care during climate events like floods and droughts.
• Teams submit a research vision, not a full plan, and attend a protocol workshop in Geneva with travel covered.
• Benefits feature funding, WHO training, international collaboration, and community-led methods for stronger, relevant results.

Climate change poses a major threat to health worldwide. Yet few studies link it to SRH. This grant fills that gap with evidence from communities. Local researchers lead the work, making it relevant for real solutions. Their findings can shape policies that protect people most at risk.

Teams selected for this grant gain a lot. They get up to USD 55,000 for their project. This covers staff, community work, data gathering, and sharing results. Other perks include training and tools from WHO to build skills in research design and analysis. Teams join forces with groups from other countries for shared ideas and stronger studies. They also tap into WHO experts for advice on ethics, data methods, and links to local offices. Community members act as co-researchers, boosting the work’s impact. Here is a quick list of main gains:

• USD 55,000 funding for project costs
• Capacity-building training and resources
• International teamwork across countries
• WHO guidance on ethics and methods
• Access to global networks and offices
• Support for community-led research

Research teams in low- and middle-income countries can apply. This includes priority areas noted by WHO. Eligible groups are:

• Academic and research institutions
• Non-governmental organizations, or NGOs
• Community-based groups and civil society
• Teams from multiple institutions

The lead researcher, or Principal Investigator, must work in an eligible country. Teams need these skills:

• Past work in SRH or climate research
• Use of participatory and mixed methods
• Strong links to local communities
• Ability to blend fields like health and climate

Proposals pick one of four key questions:

1. How does climate change affect maternal health outcomes?
2. What role does gender-based violence play during climate events?
3. How do climate shocks change access to contraception?
4. What challenges face abortion care in climate-hit areas?

Every proposal must use a human rights view. It should consider factors like gender, income level, and migration that raise risks.

To apply, use the official online platform. Submit a research vision, budget, CVs for team members, and conflict of interest forms. The deadline is 12 April 2026 at 23:59 GMT+1. Teams learn if selected by 11 May 2026. Late or missing parts mean no review. Here is a timeline to help plan:

Milestone	Date	Notes
Application Deadline	12 April 2026 (23:59 GMT+1)	Submit all docs online
Selection Notification	11 May 2026	Emails to chosen teams
Protocol Workshop	July 2026	In Geneva; travel covered

Apply now through the official WHO platform.

Use this checklist to prepare a strong application. Gather everything early to meet the deadline.

Document	Description	Tips
Research Vision	Short plan of your idea, team skills, community ties	Keep it 2-3 pages; focus on one question
Budget	Costs for staff, travel, data work	Up to USD 55,000; detail each item
CVs	Bios for Principal Investigator and key team	Highlight SRH/climate experience
Conflict Declarations	Forms on any biases or ties	Be honest; WHO provides template

The WHO Climate and SRH Research Grant 2026 offers a vital chance for teams in low- and middle-income countries to study how climate change impacts sexual and reproductive health. With funding up to USD 55,000, training, and global support, selected teams can create real solutions for vulnerable communities. Apply by 12 April 2026 via the official WHO platform to help shape policies that protect health in a changing world.

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