Three international research grants for 2025 are now open:
1. SEARCA Seed Fund for Research and Training (Deadline: 31 Oct 2025)
2. Whitley Awards (Deadline: 31 Oct 2025)
3. UN Tourism Social Innovation Challenge (Deadline: 31 Oct 2025)

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

1. SEARCA Seed Fund for Research and Training
The Seed Fund for Research and Training (SFRT) provides start-up funds to Southeast Asian researchers and scientists whose work contribute to sustaining transformation of Southeast Asian agricultural systems through innovation.

Funding Organization: Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA)

Scope: Agricultural research and training contributing to any of the following outcomes:
• Increased farmers’ income
• Improved food security and nutrition
• Greater climate resilience of agricultural systems
• Empowered farmers, farmer groups, and agricultural stakeholders and their institutions

Eligibility:
All proponents must:
1. Be a Southeast Asian national with at least a four-year degree and limited research start-up funds
2. Submit a project proposal that
• Is an innovative concept accompanied by an appropriate plan for developing it into a potentially large-scale research/training program greatly relevant to the ARD needs of the region
• Can be completed in one year or less
• Shows a detailed plan for securing long-term funding
• Has high potential to attract significant follow-on support
• Specifies a strategy for disseminating results and policy recommendations to various stakeholders in appropriate modes
3. Submit the following as part of the project outputs:
• At least one policy brief (following the prescribed format)
• Final research report that can be published as a technical paper, as determined by the technical reviewer
• Presentation of research results in at least one scientific forum/conference, whenever possible

Maximum Award: Up to USD 15,000

Application Process: The application must be submitted online via the SEARCA portal Grants Information System, https://grants.searcaapps.org.

Application Deadline: 31 October 2025

Further information: https://www.searca.org/sfrt
———————————————————————————————————————————-
2. Whitley Awards
Whitley Awards fund grassroots conservation leaders in the Global South. The Awards are for dynamic, mid-career conservationists who are seeking to scale up proven work, that is embedded in the local community and would benefit from further funding, a profile boost and international support.

Funding Organization: Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN)

Scope: Nature conservation

Eligibility:
• Wildlife conservation projects based in countries that are not defined as a High Income Economy by the World Bank.
• Nationals of the country in which they are working.
• Projects that are based on scientific evidence and understanding – this can be in the leader, expertise on the team, or via partners/collaboration. Projects need to demonstrate evidence of success.
• Work involving (and benefitting) the local community and stakeholders is essential.
• Ecosystem / landscape level projects are preferred.

Maximum Award: Winners receive £50,000 GBP in project funding over one year to support their conservation efforts.

Application Process: The application must be submitted online via the Whitley Fund for Nature | Whitley Award portal https://wfn.eformsolutions.com/landing/sign-in

Application Deadline: 31 October 2025

Further information: https://whitleyaward.org/apply-for-conservation-funding/apply-for-a-whitley-award/
————————————————————————————————————————————— 
3. UN Tourism Social Innovation Challenge
The challenge invites innovative solutions that enhance the tourism ecosystem through sustainable practices, inclusivity, and community empowerment. By focusing on these three pillars, the challenge aims to support initiatives that not only create economic opportunities but also promote equality, sustainability, and the preservation of cultural heritage and natural resources. It seeks to identify and support groundbreaking startups, scaleups, SMEs, and entrepreneurs who are driving change in three key areas: Community-based Tourism, Inclusivity & Accessibility, and Green Projects.

Scope: Sustainable solutions for the tourism sector

Eligibility:
Entrepreneurs, startups, scaleups, tourism companies, and organizations that meet the following requirements can apply:
• Have an innovative and/or disruptive nature
• Offer sustainable and value-added solutions for the tourism sector
• Leverage new technologies and innovative solutions in community-based tourism, accessibility, and/or green projects
• Have potential for growth, scalability, and application
• Preferably have a minimum viable product (MVP) or project that is ready to be developed and funded; however projects in later stages of the idea phase will also be considered
• Have a structured business plan
• Contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Benefits: Selected finalists will be invited to pitch their solutions at the UN Tourism Tech Adventures and benefit from the UN Tourism Innovation Network, including potential access to finance, pilot projects, and global visibility.

Application Process: The application must be submitted online at https://share.hsforms.com/161HzRaIxQs6U2nqeTl1fLA1zlna

Application Deadline: 31 October 2025

Further information: https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/innovation-services/challenge-offerings/un-tourism-social-innovation

For more information, please contact
Ms. Panida Suwannatheerak and Ms. Mananchaya Pissaparn
Tel: 02 470 9654
Email: researchfollowup@kmutt.ac.th