The Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI), in collaboration with the Kering Foundation, is inviting applications for the 2026 Early Career Research Fellowships. This prestigious programme aims to support emerging researchers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) who are committed to advancing knowledge on the intersections of violence against women (VAW) and violence against children (VAC). Through financial support, mentorship, and capacity-building opportunities, the initiative seeks to strengthen global research leadership and promote evidence-based solutions to gender-based violence.
In 2026, four fellowships will be awarded two at the doctoral level and two at the postdoctoral level. The fellowship is part of a multi-year collaboration designed to deepen understanding of how violence against women and children overlap, co-occur, and influence each other across various social and cultural contexts in LMICs. By empowering early-career researchers, the programme aims to generate locally grounded insights that can drive meaningful policy and programmatic change.
Programme Objectives
The primary goal of the fellowship is to cultivate a new generation of scholars who can lead transformative research on gendered violence. Specifically, the programme seeks to:
- Strengthen individual research capabilities through mentorship and guided learning.
- Support high-quality studies that explore the interconnected dynamics of violence against women and children.
- Promote leadership and professional development among emerging scholars in LMICs.
- Encourage the creation of feminist, equity-centred knowledge that can influence practice, advocacy, and policy.
- Build stronger regional and global networks among researchers, practitioners, and institutions committed to addressing gender-based violence.
Fellowship Structure and Funding
The fellowship awards are structured as follows:
- Doctoral Fellowships (2 awards)
Maximum funding: USD 17,000
Duration: Up to 2 years - Postdoctoral Fellowships (2 awards)
Maximum funding: USD 20,500
Duration: Up to 2 years
The financial support is designed to enable fellows to conduct independent, high-quality research while receiving structured mentorship from experienced scholars and practitioners. Fellows will also gain access to peer-learning sessions, training workshops, and opportunities to disseminate their findings through conferences and publications.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered:
- Be a national of an LMIC and currently residing in that country.
- Be enrolled full-time in an accredited, in-person doctoral programme (for PhD applicants) or affiliated with a recognised academic institution (for postdoctoral applicants).
- Conduct research directly focused on the intersection of violence against women and violence against children.
- Doctoral applicants must have an approved or defended dissertation proposal.
- Demonstrate a clear commitment to advancing the rights, well-being, and safety of women, girls, and children.
- Show potential for research leadership and long-term contribution to the field.
Preference may be given to applicants from underrepresented regions or communities, and to those whose work addresses critical gaps in evidence.
Application Requirements
Candidates must submit the following materials through the official application platform:
- A detailed statement of career objectives outlining academic goals and long-term aspirations.
- A community impact statement describing how the research will benefit local populations.
- A full research proposal formatted according to the programme’s guidelines.
- A letter from the academic institution verifying nationality and current enrolment.
- Academic transcripts covering the most recent two-year period.
- Two reference letters, including one from the primary academic supervisor.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for panel interviews before the final selection is made.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by 31 January 2026 at 11:50 PM SAST. Late or emailed submissions will not be considered.
