Updated: 20 December 2024

Eligibility

1. Are universities the only eligible institutions?

   Principal investigators must be affiliated with a university or research institution in Southeast Asia and be a national of and reside in a Southeast Asian country. Teams may include researchers and other experts from universities, research institutes, the private sector, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations and development agencies. At least one university or research institution from Explore focal countries (see Focus areas) must be involved. Please check the sections on “Eligibility” and “Team composition” in the call for proposals. 

2. Can NGOs or CSOs be the lead applicant/principal investigator?

   No, the principal investigator (PI) must be affiliated with a university, research institute or think tank in a Southeast Asian country. NGOs and CSOs are eligible to participate as co-principal investigators. They must partner with a lead applicant/principal investigator who is affiliated with one of these institutes. For specific details, please check the section on Eligibility and team composition in the original call for proposals.  

3. Can independent researchers apply? 
   Independent researchers are encouraged to collaborate with universities or research institutes as part of a team.

4. Can early-career researchers or graduate students apply?

   Early-career researchers and PhD candidates can apply. We recommend that you consider joining a research team led by an experienced PI.

5. Are researchers from research institutions eligible to be PIs? 
   Yes, please refer to the section on eligibility, team composition and geographic focus.  

Focus areas and locations

1. What countries are eligible for research? 
   Eligible countries include Cambodia, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, Thailand, the Philippines and Viet Nam. Please check the section on geographic focus.
2. Can research be conducted in countries outside the list, like Malaysia or Bangladesh? 
   No, research must be conducted within the eight focal countries. Please check section on “Geographic focus”
3. Can the research focus on more than one topic? 
   Yes, research can combine topics such as biodiversity conservation and wetland forest governance.
4. Is transboundary research required?
   It is encouraged but not mandatory. Both physical and thematic transboundary research are acceptable.

Funding and grants

1. How many grants will be awarded? 
   Up to three grants will be provided.
2. How will the funds be managed? 
   The lead PI’s university or institution will manage the grant following its policies.
3. Can VAT or government taxes be included in the financial proposal? 
   Yes, taxes can be covered if legal documents are provided.
4. Can multiple proposals be submitted by the same institution? 
   Yes, but coordination is encouraged to avoid overlaps.

Team composition

1. Are there restrictions on team size? 
   There is no maximum limit, but it depends on the scale of the research project.
2. Can government officials or international supervisors be included as partners?
   Yes, collaboration with government officials and international supervisors is encouraged. Teams may include researchers and other experts from universities, research institutes, the private sector, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations and development agencies. At least one university or research institution from Explore focal countries must be involved.
3. Can a researcher be on multiple proposals? 
   Yes, there is no limit on participation in multiple proposals.

Miscellaneous

1. Can the research focus on new technology applications? 
   Yes, if it aligns with the grant’s themes and objectives.
2. What criteria are used to assess proposals? 
   Proposals are graded higher for participatory action research, policy impact, gender and social integration, and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples (IP) and local communities. Proposals engaging researcher partners from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Timor-Leste, will be prioritized.  Please refer to the sections on “Selection criteria” and “Geographic focus”

3. Can community tourism qualify as Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs)?

   Yes, if community tourism can contribute to overall conservation goal.

Explore research implementation grants

Recording from the online workshop on the Explore research implementation grants

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About Explore

Explore is a research network and community of practice dedicated to expanding and applying knowledge on forest landscape governance in Southeast Asia. The network is funded by the government of Sweden. It is hosted by RECOFTC, in partnership with the CIFOR-ICRAF, in collaboration with universities, research institutes, governments, civil society organizations, local communities and the private sector in Southeast Asia.

For more information about Explore, contact [email protected]

To become a member of Explore, visit recoftc.org/projects/explore/about-explore.