Apply for the Citizen Security Research Initiative Call for Proposals 2026 @Unknown

Researchers working on crime prevention, justice systems, and public safety now have an opportunity to receive funding through the Citizen Security Research Initiative (CSRI) Call for Proposals, launched by Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA).

The initiative supports rigorous research designed to generate evidence that can inform policies and programs aimed at building safer communities and strengthening justice and law enforcement systems. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

Through this call, researchers are invited to submit proposals for projects that investigate innovative approaches to reducing crime and violence, improving justice systems, and strengthening institutional responses to public safety challenges.

The initiative seeks research that produces actionable evidence to guide policymakers, practitioners, and organizations working in the citizen security and justice sector.

About the Citizen Security Research Initiative

The Citizen Security Research Initiative (CSRI) aims to support high-quality research that addresses key challenges related to crime, violence, and justice systems.

Projects supported through the initiative are expected to generate evidence that can help governments, international organizations, and civil society design more effective policies and programs.

The initiative supports a range of research approaches, including:

• Rigorous impact evaluations
• Pilot studies and exploratory research
• Infrastructure and public goods projects
• Foundational and contextual research

Why This Opportunity Matters

Crime, violence, and weak justice systems continue to affect communities around the world. Policymakers and practitioners often face significant challenges when designing effective strategies to address these issues due to limited evidence about what works.

Research initiatives like CSRI help fill this gap by supporting studies that produce reliable and policy-relevant evidence.

By funding innovative research projects and impact evaluations, the initiative aims to help governments and organizations develop more effective approaches to crime prevention, law enforcement, and justice reform.

The research supported through this initiative has the potential to inform policies that improve public safety, strengthen institutions, and contribute to safer communities.

Research Priority Areas

The call focuses on several priority areas where more evidence is needed to inform effective policy and program design.

Researchers are encouraged to submit proposals addressing topics such as:

Countering Organized Crime

Projects may examine strategies for disrupting organized criminal networks, improving law enforcement responses, or strengthening institutional coordination to address organized crime.

Combating Drug Trafficking and Production

The initiative supports research exploring how policies, enforcement strategies, and prevention programs can reduce drug trafficking and production.

Preventing Crime and Violence

Another priority area is identifying interventions that reduce crime and violence within communities. This may include research on prevention programs, community-based initiatives, or behavioral interventions.

Strengthening Law Enforcement and Justice Systems

Projects may also focus on improving criminal justice institutions, strengthening policing strategies, and promoting more effective justice system responses to crime and violence.

The initiative particularly encourages proposals that explore innovative interventions and generate evidence where little currently exists.

Types of Projects Supported

The CSRI call supports multiple types of research projects depending on the scope and objectives of the proposed study.

Possible project types include:

Impact Evaluations
Rigorous studies designed to evaluate the effectiveness of policies or interventions related to citizen security.

Pilot Studies
Small-scale projects that test innovative approaches before larger-scale implementation.

Research Infrastructure Projects
Initiatives that build datasets, tools, or resources that can support future research in the citizen security field.

Foundational and Contextual Research
Studies that help researchers better understand the social, political, and institutional factors that influence crime, violence, and justice systems.

These project types allow researchers to explore new ideas while also building the evidence base needed to improve public safety strategies.

Who Can Apply

The Citizen Security Research Initiative is open to researchers from around the world, but applications must be submitted through a recognized research institution.

Eligible applicants typically include researchers affiliated with:

• Universities and academic institutions
• Research organizations or think tanks
• Policy research institutes or nonprofit research centers

Applicants are generally expected to have strong research experience, and many successful proposals are led by PhD holders or doctoral researchers with expertise in impact evaluation or policy research.

Importantly, the grant funding is awarded to the host institution managing the project, rather than directly to individuals. Researchers are also encouraged to collaborate with implementation partners such as NGOs, governments, or civil society organizations to test or evaluate interventions in real-world settings.

Application Timeline & Process

Proposals typically include:

• A narrative proposal describing the research project
• A project budget
• Supporting documentation such as letters of support

Applicants are encouraged to review the official application instructions and proposal guidelines carefully before submitting their proposals. Learn more on the official call for proposals page.

Researchers interested in applying must submit their proposals before:

Application Deadline: April 15, 2026

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