The Global Development Awards Competition is an innovative award scheme launched by GDN with the generous support from the Ministry of Finance, Government of Japan.
Since its inception in 2000, GDN has awarded roughly US$ 4 million in research and project grants to finalists and winners. Nearly 8,800 researchers and development practitioners from low and middle income countries and transition countries have participated in the competition and more than 200 awards have been conferred till date.
The awards recognize excellence in policy-oriented research, supports research capacity development of researchers in low and middle income countries and funds innovative social development projects benefiting marginalized groups in the developing world. The annual competition has a new, relevant theme every year. GDN provides grants through its awards competition under two main categories:
- The Japanese Award for Outstanding Research on Development: The Japanese Award for Outstanding Research on Development (ORD) is a competitive research grant program that identifies and funds outstanding research proposals that have a high potential for excellence in research and clear policy implications for addressing development issues. Applicants receive expert feedback from junior and later senior researchers. Additionally, throughout the implementation of their projects, the research teams are supported by a Scientific and Technical Advisor, who is selected based on the theme of their research.
- The Japanese Award for Most Innovative Development Project: The Japanese Award for Most Innovative Development Project (MIDP) is a competitive grant program that supports Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in low or lower income countries to recognize the innovative approach of their projects. The first prize winner is also eligible to compete under the Japan Social Development Fund for an additional grant of up to US$ 200,000 to pilot their innovative work at a larger scale.
Finalists in both categories receive training in communicating research and development, prior to their presentations at the conference.
Duration and Benefits
The Japanese Award for Outstanding Research on Development
- The first prize winner will receive a grant of US$ 30,000. The second prize and third prize winners will receive a grant of US$ 20,000 and US$ 10,000 respectively. The funds will be used to support the research work proposed by the winners towards the completion of their research. Additionally, awardees will be paired with world-class academic in their area of work who will play the role of a Scientific and Technical Advisor.
The Japanese Award for Most Innovative Development Project
- The two first prize winners under each theme will receive a grant of US$ 50,000 each. The second prize will receive a grant of US$ 25,000. Additionally, awardees will be paired with a Technical Advisor throughout the entire implementation of the grant. The first prize winner is also eligible to compete under the Japan Social Development Fund for an additional grant of up to US$ 200,000 to pilot their innovative work at a larger scale.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage
Application Deadline: September 28th, 2023
