Measuring and incentivising academic research for social impact in Southern Africa
The FCDO invites tenders by 9 January 2026 for a comparative analysis of research resource allocation methods to enhance research systems in Southern Africa that deliver socio-economic impact.
There is increasing awareness that national research systems and funding frameworks need to adapt to effectively measure, incentivise, and reward impact-focused research. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding successful models and strategies for reforming current funding mechanisms in Southern Africa that incentivises socio-economic impact while promoting opportunities for early-career researchers aligned with gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) objectives.
Comparative insights from developed and developing countries are lacking. This hinders the design of robust, context-sensitive research systems. This study seeks to address the evidence gap by identifying, analysing, and comparing approaches to measuring, incentivising and rewarding academic research beyond publications. There is a particular focus on enabling research for social impact.
What the fund will achieve
This study will provide recommendations to the FCDO and its partners across Southern Africa to strengthen national research funding mechanisms in the region to incentivise and reward research for social impact. These recommendations should be aligned with goals to promote early-career researchers and GESI.
Requirements for organisations wishing to apply
The FCDO expects that the core team delivering this work will include experts in national/domestic funding allocation for higher education and research across Southern Africa. Experts should have knowledge of current best practice, drawing on experience in the UK and internationally.
We also expect that the team will have the required technical and contextual experience in the collection, interpretation, synthesis, communication and dissemination of research findings and recommendations including to Southern African stakeholders such as governments, and higher education and research institutions. Experience in designing and implementing research that addresses structural barriers for marginalised groups is highly desirable.
Preference will be given to bidders with established networks and contacts within Southern Africa, enabling effective evidence gathering through existing relationships and proven experience in delivering similar research in the region, particularly given the short timeframes available for this study.
Research teams that bring together both international and local expertise and meaningfully include researchers from the focus Southern African countries (for example, as principal or co-investigators), will be prioritised. Applications are especially welcomed from consortia that unite research institutions in the UK and Africa.
How to apply
Email your tender documents to uk_evidence_fund_administration@pwc.com by 11:59pm UK time on 9 January 2026.
You can email clarification questions to uk_evidence_fund_administration@pwc.com by 11:59pm UK time on 5 January 2026. We aim to respond to any questions by 11:59pm UK time on 6 January 2026.
Contact
Email Evidence Fund manager: uk_evidence_fund_administration@pwc.com