Two calls for proposals are opening now. The Forestry program focuses on stakeholder engagement in research projects or in science-practice projects, while the Ophthalmology program has a dedicated focus on strengthening institutional research capacity in low- and middle-income countries.
Setting objectives in dialogue with our stakeholders
In two of our four funding areas – Forestry and Ophthalmology – we defined the objectives of the funding program by talking to people from the scientific communtiy and from the implementation side. Before each five-year program and two years into it, we held joint workshops to consider where our funding could have the greatest impact since we don’t have unlimited funds.
In both programs, an international scientific committee helps the foundation assess the applications. Eight to nine people, each with different backgrounds, first pick out the applications that seem most promising for in-depth review. After a panel discussion, the committee then recommends a shortlist of projects for funding to the foundation board.
Every application needs to have at least two partners working together from different institutions. While the ophthalmology call focuses on low- and middle-income countries, with a requirement that at least 50 % of the funding to be used in these countries, the forestry call has no geographic focus but rather emphasises stakeholder engagement.
The list of projects funded so far can be found in the download section of our website.
Forestry: Incorporating practice into research and using research to inform practice
The forestry call for proposals seeks innovative research projects with the potential to change forestry practice or science-practice initiatives aimed at improving the accessibility and comprehensibility of specific forest management knowledge. In general, proposals should contribute to integrated sustainable forest management by developing solutions to either adapt to or mitigate climate change. Such applications should include the promotion of biodiversity, the provision of resilient ecosystem services, and the assurance of the supply of sustainable forest products. Submissions could also focus on providing incentives, resources or tools to encourage action and behavioural change.
Research projects must include the perspective of stakeholders, and engagement with them is expected to go beyond simply informing them. We welcome interdisciplinary approaches as many today’s challenges require the expertise of several disciplines. Knowledge transfer activities must address the specific information needs of the stakeholder target group, and at least 10 % of the budget must be allocated to this.
Science-practice projects bring together partners from the research community and a stakeholder group. The aim of this type of project is to put results into practice by communicating findings comprehensively, or enabling to jointly shape research questions. We expect specific deliverables within the project timeframe, such as tools, resources and communications products. The partners must demonstrate their commitment to the project and explain how the activities will continue beyond the funding period.
The next deadline for forestry proposals is 22 September 2025, with a final decision expected in March 2025. For further information see links below.
Ophthalmology: Strengthening research capacities of institutions
The call for proposals for ophthalmology research in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is looking for projects that aim to establish or strengthen the research capacity of institutions, possibly in combination with an interdisciplinary biomedical research project.
The aim of strengthening institutional research capacity in LMIC’s is to support research institutions to fund, manage and sustain their own biomedical ophthalmology research. Collaboration with existing ophthalmology research centres allows for mutual learning and the research capacities development. These capacities must be developed in such a way that they can be sustained independently after the project has ended. It is therefore essential that the institution’s leadership is involved and supportive.
Research projects should address knowledge gaps in ophthalmological research. It is essential that these gaps or overlooked issues are specific to the local context and environment. Projects should develop or validate new methods for the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of eye diseases. It is also crucial that these methods are adapted to suit local contexts and environments. Research projects must also include elements of institutional research capacity strengthening (mandatory). The extent of institutional research capacity strengthening will influence the prioritisation of selection.
The deadline for ophthalmology proposals is 29 September 2025, with a final decision expected in March 2025. For further information see links below.
