The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), through its Global Research Technology Development (GRTD) portfolio, has launched an exciting new funding opportunity titled New Frontiers of Conflict Research. The initiative seeks innovative research that will strengthen the FCDO’s ability to better understand, anticipate, and respond to emerging global conflict trends.

Organizations, universities, research institutions, think tanks, and research consortia are invited to submit concept notes for research projects that address pressing conflict-related challenges across priority regions of the world.

This funding initiative represents an important opportunity for organizations with expertise in conflict research, peacebuilding, governance, international development, and policy analysis to contribute evidence that informs future global conflict responses.

Funding Overview

The New Frontiers of Conflict Research initiative is designed to commission short-term, high-quality research that provides practical insights into today’s rapidly changing conflict landscape.

Selected projects will contribute directly to strengthening policy development and evidence-based decision-making within the FCDO’s conflict research programme.

Applicants will compete for funding within one of two available budget categories:

£0 – £100,000
£100,000 – £200,000

Budget selection will be considered during the assessment process to ensure effective distribution of available funding across successful projects.

Purpose of the Programme

The initiative aims to improve understanding of emerging global conflicts by supporting research that:

Identifies new and evolving drivers of conflict.
Strengthens conflict prevention strategies.
Enhances policy responses to fragile environments.
Expands thematic and regional knowledge.
Produces evidence that supports future FCDO programming.
Generates practical recommendations for policymakers.

Ultimately, the programme seeks to build stronger evidence for preventing, managing, and responding to conflicts worldwide.

Who Can Apply?

Applications must be submitted by legally registered organizations.

Eligible applicants include:

Universities
Research institutes
Think tanks
Non-profit organizations
Policy research organizations
Consortia of legally registered organizations

Individual researchers cannot submit applications independently.

However, academics, consultants, and independent experts may participate as members of research teams led by eligible organizations.

FCDO’s Preferred Applicants

The programme particularly welcomes proposals that demonstrate diversity, inclusion, and equitable partnerships.

Applications are especially encouraged from organizations and consortia that include:

Researchers based in the Global South.
Institutions located in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
Researchers with first-hand experience working in fragile and conflict-affected environments.
Local organizations playing meaningful leadership roles.
Diverse multidisciplinary research teams.

Priority Geographic Areas

Research proposals should focus on at least one of the following regions:

Middle East
Horn of Africa
Eastern Europe, including Ukraine

Applicants may also submit comparative research involving other parts of the world, provided at least one of the priority regions above is included.

Research Themes

Concept notes should address one of the following major themes:

1. States, Societies and Citizens Under Stress

Research under this theme may examine:

Governance challenges
Political instability
Social cohesion
Public institutions
Community resilience
Citizen-state relations

2. The Shifting International Environment and New Forms of Intervention

Possible research areas include:

Emerging geopolitical dynamics
International cooperation
External actors in conflict settings
New intervention approaches
Changing global security trends

Two-Stage Application Process

The competition follows a two-stage commissioning process.

Stage One: Expression of Interest (Concept Note)

Applicants submit an initial concept note outlining their proposed research.

Stage Two: Full Proposal

Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit comprehensive research proposals.

Information Required in the Concept Note

Applicants will submit their concept notes through the SmartSimple application system.

The application requires:

Principal Investigator details
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Research questions
Geographic focus
Proposed methodology
Demonstration of feasibility within six months
Research team composition
Selected budget band

Assessment Criteria

Concept notes will undergo a competitive evaluation process.

Applications will be scored according to the following weighting:

Strategic and Technical Fit – 35%
- Alignment with FCDO priorities
- Research relevance
- Innovation
Team Strength, Expertise and Equity – 35%
- Team capability
- Research experience
- Inclusive partnerships
- Leadership by local organizations
Feasibility – 30%
- Practicality of implementation
- Realistic work plan
- Deliverability within six months

Shortlisting Process

Following evaluation of concept notes, the FCDO will shortlist a limited number of applicants.

Shortlisting will consider:

Research quality
Policy relevance
Geographic balance
Thematic balance
Budget allocation
Overall programme priorities

Only shortlisted organizations will receive invitations to submit full proposals.

Project Timeline

The initiative follows the schedule below:

11 June 2026: Expression of Interest opens
30 June 2026 (23:00 BST): Application Deadline
13–31 July 2026: Full proposal stage for shortlisted applicants
September 2026: Expected project commencement
February 2027: Submission of working papers
March 2027: Final revisions and project approval

Applicants should note that the timeline is indicative and may change.

New Frontiers Pathfinding Papers

The call builds upon three Pathfinding Papers developed through earlier consultations with researchers and stakeholders, particularly from Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

These publications explore:

Drivers of conflict
Pathways out of conflict
Knowledge production ecosystems in fragile and conflict-affected settings

Applicants are encouraged to review these papers to better align their research proposals with programme priorities.

Why You Should Apply

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to:

Secure research funding of up to £200,000.
Influence international conflict policy.
Collaborate with leading research organizations.
Strengthen partnerships with global institutions.
Produce high-impact policy research.
Expand research visibility internationally.
Contribute to peacebuilding and conflict prevention efforts.

Important Deadline

Expression of Interest (Concept Note) Deadline: 30 June 2026 at 23:00 BST

Late submissions are unlikely to be considered.

How to Apply

Eligible organizations must prepare their concept notes and submit applications through the SmartSimple application platform before the deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing early to allow sufficient time for developing strong research partnerships, refining methodologies, and completing all required documentation.

Apply Here

For more information, visit the official website

Discover more global grant opportunities on OFY, VISIT HERE