The South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics (SANDEE)—a key initiative under ICIMOD—is seeking research concept notes for the Summer 2026 grant cycle. This is a prestigious opportunity for early-career researchers in South Asia and the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region to secure funding and mentorship. SANDEE supports empirical research that builds a strong “science-policy nexus,” specifically looking for projects that explore the economic interconnections between development, natural resource use, and the environment.

Key Highlights & Dates

• Submission Deadline: 31 December 2025.
• Grant Cycle: Summer 2026.
• Geographic Focus: South Asia and the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region.
• Primary Goal: To produce research with strong economic analysis that can influence policy and contribute to scientific knowledge.

Research Focus Areas

Concept notes must demonstrate a clear demand from policymakers and align with ICIMOD’s strategic groups⁸.

1. Climate and Environmental Risks

Research understanding the economics of:

• Cryosphere changes, multi-hazard disaster risks, and forest fire mitigation⁹.
• Nature-based solutions (NbS) and financing for disaster risk reduction (DRR)¹⁰.
• Sustainable river basin management (irrigation, energy, water management).
• Air pollution (health impacts, monitoring, and policy solutions).

2. Resilient Economies and Landscapes

Research examining the economics of:

• Mountain livelihoods (e.g., yak herding, sustainable tourism, renewable energy, and nature-based entrepreneurship).
• Incentive-based mechanisms for ecosystem conservation and restoration.
• Human-wildlife co-existence and conflict mitigation.
• Springshed and wetlands management (cost-effectiveness analysis).

3. Regional Action and Global Advocacy

Research assessing policy impacts on climate and biodiversity, including:

• Climate change adaptation, mitigation, and Loss and Damage (L&D).
• Indigenous access and benefit-sharing in biodiversity conservation.
• The role of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in regional financing and action.

Grant Benefits & Value

• Funding Amount: Grants typically range from USD 20,000 to USD 30,000.
• Duration: Projects are funded over a two-year period.
• Higher Funding Tiers: The upper range of funding is reserved for multidisciplinary teams involving two or more countries or transboundary issues.
• Capacity Building: Shortlisted candidates are invited to a research and training workshop in the Summer of 2026 to defend their proposals.

Who Can Apply?

• Junior to Mid-Career Professionals: You must be employed by a university, research institute, government agency, or non-profit in the region.
• Only professionals working in South Asia and the HKH region are eligible.
• A formal affiliation with an institution is mandatory to receive the grant.
• Women professionals are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Multidisciplinary and cross-border teams are encouraged to apply
• Not eligible: 
•  Professors, Directors, and similar senior-level positions are not eligible.
• Individuals with relatives currently working or consulting for ICIMOD are ineligible to avoid conflicts of interest.

Application Process & Selection

1. Submit Concept Note: Complete the online application form by 31 December 2025.
   • Note: Proposals aimed solely at producing “consulting-type reports” without strong economic analysis will not be considered.
2. Shortlisting: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit full research proposals.
3. Review: Full proposals undergo rigorous review by multiple reviewers.
4. Workshop: Finalists will present and defend their proposals at a workshop in Summer 2026.
5. Due Diligence: SANDEE will conduct due diligence on the grant-hosting institution before awarding funds.

How to Apply:

Access the online application form here: https://forms.icimod.org/regional-action/sandee-call-for-research-concept-notes-summer-2026/37.

For more information, please visit the ICIMOD website