Apply Now for the SVRI Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025 for LMIC Researchers – Empowering Locally Led Research on Violence Against Women and Children

Application Deadline: January 31,2026

The Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) is now accepting applications for its prestigious 2025 Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships. These fellowships are designed for early-career researchers from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) who are committed to strengthening the evidence base and advancing leadership in the fields of violence against women (VAW) and violence against children (VAC).

The program aims to empower emerging scholars to lead groundbreaking research, drive policy change, and promote community-centered solutions that protect and uplift women and children worldwide.

Empowering Locally Led Research in LMICs

Research on violence against women and children has often been led by institutions in high-income countries, resulting in interventions that may not fully reflect local realities. The SVRI Fellowships challenge this imbalance by promoting locally driven, context-sensitive studies that address the root causes of violence and generate actionable knowledge within LMIC communities.

Through the fellowship, the SVRI seeks to:

• Build leadership and research capacity among early-career LMIC researchers.
• Strengthen the global evidence base on the intersections of VAW and VAC.
• Encourage the publication and dissemination of locally generated research.
• Foster a collaborative network of feminist and equity-driven scholars across regions.

By investing in local expertise, the program ensures that the voices and perspectives of communities most affected by gender-based violence guide global conversations and interventions.

Fellowship Details

The SVRI Fellowship offers two distinct categories—Doctoral and Postdoctoral—each lasting up to two years.

• Doctoral Fellowship: Up to USD 17,000 in support.
• Postdoctoral Fellowship: Up to USD 20,500 in support.

Both programs are open to nationals of LMICs who are enrolled full-time at accredited, in-person institutions within these countries. Research proposals must focus on the intersections of violence against women and violence against children.

Doctoral candidates must have an institutionally approved or defended dissertation proposal at the time of application. Preference is given to researchers from underrepresented regions or groups and those demonstrating a long-term commitment to advancing the rights and wellbeing of women and girls.

Application Requirements and Selection Process

Applications must be submitted online through Proposal Central. First-time applicants are required to register before accessing the application form. Each application should include the following components:

• Career objectives and motivation for applying.
• A detailed research proposal following SVRI’s guidelines.
• A statement outlining the anticipated community and policy impact of the research.
• Institutional verification of enrollment or employment.
• Academic transcripts.
• Two reference letters supporting the applicant’s research capacity and commitment.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a panel interview as part of the final selection process.

Research Proposal Guidelines

Applicants must structure their research proposals to include:

• Abstract and project background.
• Innovation and contribution to existing knowledge.
• Research aims and objectives.
• Methodology and data management plan.
• Ethical considerations and safeguarding measures.
• 24-month implementation timeline.
• Budget detailing expenses within the fellowship’s limits.

Eligible expenses may include research activities, travel for fieldwork, software, publication fees, academic resources, and participation in international conferences.

The fellowship strongly encourages early submission of applications. Late entries or submissions made outside the designated platform will not be accepted.

Driving Sustainable Impact Through Research

The SVRI Fellowships represent more than just funding—they are an investment in the future of gender equality, safety, and justice in LMICs. By equipping local researchers with the resources, mentorship, and global connections needed to conduct transformative research, SVRI is paving the way for evidence-based interventions that create lasting social impact.

Emerging scholars supported through this initiative will become part of a dynamic global community of researchers and practitioners dedicated to ending violence against women and children and fostering a world where every individual can live free from fear and harm.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

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