WHO Climate and SRH Research Grant: Up to $55,000 Funding – Apply by April 2026

Are you leading a research team in a low- or middle-income country at the crossroads of climate change and public health? The WHO Climate and SRH Research Grant offers up to $55,000 to tackle these urgent issues head-on. This funding from the World Health Organization’s Human Reproduction Programme supports community-driven studies on how climate change affects sexual and reproductive health and rights.

This article covers the programme details, key benefits, who qualifies, focus areas, and steps to apply. You will find all the facts you need, including the 12 April 2026 deadline, to see if your team fits and how to move forward.

Key Takeaways

• Teams from low- and middle-income countries can apply for up to $55,000 to research climate events’ effects on sexual and reproductive health.
• Focus on one of four priority areas like maternal health, gender-based violence, contraception access, or abortion care during climate shocks.
• Selected teams attend a Protocol Development Workshop in Geneva in July 2026 with travel and lodging covered.
• Applications are due by 12 April 2026, and require a research vision, team skills, and community ties.

About the WHO Climate and SRH Research Grant Programme

The WHO Climate and SRH Research Grant zeroes in on climate events and their effects on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Events like droughts, floods, and extreme heat disrupt services and increase risks. Teams propose a research vision, not a full protocol, to show their skills and community ties.

Selected groups join a cross-country effort. They will attend a Protocol Development Workshop in Geneva in July 2026. WHO pays travel and lodging for up to two team members per group. Funding reaches up to USD 55,000 per project.

Here are examples of climate events and SRH areas hit hard:

• Droughts: Strain maternal health services due to water shortages and migration.
• Floods: Block access to contraception and raise gender-based violence risks.
• Extreme temperatures: Worsen abortion care delivery in remote areas.

Why This WHO Climate and SRH Research Grant Matters

Climate change poses a big threat to health, but its ties to sexual and reproductive health get little study. This grant fills evidence gaps with community-led work. Participatory methods let those most impacted help shape findings and solutions.

The approach boosts policy changes and real-world results. Teams build skills and join global talks. Here are key reasons it stands out:

• Fills research holes on climate and SRH links.
• Puts communities in charge for stronger, fairer studies.
• Tackles a top global health issue with local insights.
• Drives policy shifts through solid evidence.
• Builds lasting research power in low- and middle-income countries.

What Participants Gain from the Grant

This grant gives real tools to advance your work. It starts with cash and grows into networks and skills. Up to USD 55,000 covers staff, community outreach, data gathering, and sharing results.

Here are the top five gains, in order:

1. Research funding up to USD 55,000: Pay for people, fieldwork, and tools to run your study.
2. Capacity-building support: Get training and guides from WHO on design, ethics, and analysis.
3. International teamwork: Link with teams from other countries for shared ideas and bigger reach.
4. WHO networks and advice: Tap experts for data tips, approvals, and country office help.
5. Participatory methods boost: Involve communities as partners for deeper impact and trust.

Who Can Apply: Eligibility for the WHO Climate and SRH Research Grant

Teams from low- and middle-income countries lead the way. The main researcher must work there. High-income partners can join but take no more than 15% of funds and cannot run the project.

Eligible groups include:

• Academic and research institutions.
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
• Community-based organizations and civil society.
• Multi-group research teams.

Teams need to show:

• Past work in SRH or climate studies.
• Skills in participatory and mixed methods.
• Solid ties to local communities.
• Ability to blend fields like health, environment, and rights.

Research Focus Areas

Pick one of four key questions for your WHO Climate and SRH Research Grant proposal. All must use a human rights view that looks at overlaps like gender, money status, and movement. This table breaks them down:

Priority Question	Key Focus	Why It Matters
Maternal health outcomes in the context of climate change	How events like floods affect pregnancy, birth, and newborn care	Saves lives by spotting risks in vulnerable groups during disasters
Gender-based violence during climate-related events	Rise in abuse tied to displacement and resource fights	Protects women and girls by addressing hidden harms in crises
Access to contraception during climate shocks	Breaks in supply chains and services from storms or heat	Prevents unplanned pregnancies and supports family planning in tough times
Access to abortion care in climate-affected settings	Barriers to safe care amid migration and clinic closures	Ensures rights to health services when climate hits hardest

Application Process and Deadline

Start by building your research vision and papers. Use the official WHO/HRP platform to send them. Include budget plans, CVs, and conflict checks.

Follow these steps:

1. Prepare your vision and documents: Outline your idea, team skills, and community links.
2. Submit online by the deadline: Hit 12 April 2026 (23:59 GMT+1). No late or missing apps count.
3. Wait for word back: Hear by 11 May 2026 if selected.

Plan ahead to meet the tight timeline.

The WHO Climate and SRH Research Grant provides vital funding and support for teams in low- and middle-income countries to study climate change’s impact on sexual and reproductive health. With up to $55,000, a workshop in Geneva, and global networks, it builds skills and drives real change. Check your eligibility and submit your proposal by 12 April 2026 to join this important effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the WHO Climate and SRH Research Grant?

Teams from low- and middle-income countries, including academic institutions, NGOs, and community groups, led by a local principal researcher with experience in SRH or climate studies.

What is the funding amount and what does it cover?

Up to $55,000 per project covers staff, fieldwork, community outreach, data collection, and results sharing.

What are the research focus areas?

Choose one: maternal health outcomes, gender-based violence, access to contraception, or access to abortion care in climate-affected settings.

When is the application deadline?

Submit online by 12 April 2026 at 23:59 GMT+1; notifications come by 11 May 2026.