Research programmes of the SDC and its partners

A variety of programmes are available for research on global issues and for global research cooperation.

Solution-oriented Research for Development Programme (SOR4D)

The SDC and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) have renewed their partnership until 2030 with the launch of the Solution-oriented Research for Development Programme (SOR4D). Focusing on applied, inter- and trans-disciplinary research and the needs of development actors, this five-year programme (2022–26) will aim to generate solutions, innovations and better knowledge to foster sustainable development and reduce poverty in low- and middle-income countries.

A second call for projects was opened:

Solution-oriented Research for Development (SOR4D) programme

SOR4D programme

TRANSFORM

In 2020, the SDC launched a new research programme called TRANSFORM (2020–30). This programme aims to co-finance applied, inter- and trans-disciplinary research projects that have a transformative effect on society and thus accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda. From a call for proposals, the SDC selected four research projects: "Combacal", "hands4health", "Agripath" and "Innovative Financing for Education to Leave No One Behind. These projects respond to concrete needs of development actors and have been initiated by consortiums composed of research institutes from Switzerland and the Global South as well as implementing partners (NGOs, governmental actors, private companies). At present, no call for proposals is open.

Combacal

hands4health: Hand hygiene, water quality and sanitation in primary health care facilities and schools not connected to functional water supply systems

Agripath

Innovative Financing for Education to Leave No One Behind

Swiss Programme for Research on Global Issues for Development (r4d programme)

The Swiss Programme for Research on Global Issues for Development (r4d programme) is a joint funding initiative of the SDC and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), running from 2012 to 2023. The r4d programme promotes research on global themes related to poverty reduction in low- and middle-income countries. It supports interdisciplinary and transnational research partnerships between researchers based in Switzerland and their research partners in Africa, Asia and Latin America aimed at providing relevant knowledge in the areas of science and development.

The r4d programme is structured around five thematic areas that reflect the SDC's strategic priorities: social conflicts, employment, food security, ecosystems and public health. These modules are complemented by a sixth open thematic module to address urgent development challenges.

The r4d programme has so far supported 57 transnational research partnership projects in 50 countries.

The calls for proposals are now closed.

Programme for Research on Global Issues for Development (r4d programme)

Brochure on the r4d programme

Factsheet about the r4d programme

Knowledge for Development (K4D Website)

Public invitation to tender

Overview of requirements as well as planned and allocated mandates:

FDFA mandates

Other links to funding opportunities

The website of the Swiss Commission for Research Partnerships with Developing Countries (KFPE) and the research.swiss platform initiated by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) list other funding opportunities:

KFPE

research.swiss platform