The Southeast Asian (SEA) region has a number of promising researchers and scientists whose desire to contribute to the region's development through research and knowledge dissemination initiatives is hindered by lack of funds. This situation serves as a barrier to translating promising research and training into scientific outputs that could be applied to promote development.
To address this concern and in line with the Center's thrust of promoting, undertaking, and coordinating research programs relevant to accelerating transformation through agricultural innovation of the region, SEARCA will dedicate funds to be known as the SEARCA Seed Fund for Research and Training (SFRT).
The SFRT is envisaged to provide chosen research and training project proposals with limited start-up funds intended to enhance chances of securing long-term support from donor agencies. A grant of up to USD 15,000 shall be awarded as seed fund for research/training.
The proponent should be a Southeast Asian national who is a graduate of at least a four-year degree course, with limited research/training start-up funds.
Priority 1. Southeast Asian nationals who are alumni of SEARCA Graduate Scholarship, faculty, and staff in any of the member universities under the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC), and SEARCA's Institutional Development Assistance (IDA).
Priority 2. Southeast Asian nationals who are regular staff members of government agencies or non-profit development-oriented institutions, and/or faculty and staff of agricultural universities outside of UC.
The topic of the project proposal must be aligned with SEARCA's overarching theme of Accelerating Transformation Through Agricultural Innovation (ATTAIN). Moreover, priority research topics must fall within the ATTAIN priority areas:
The proposed project should satisfy all of the following:
The proposed project should be able to generate:
Previous grantees may re-apply provided that their last SFRT grant has been completed and not within the preceding two years.
New applicants must register through the Grants Information System to create an account. Once registered, fill out the online form and upload a copy of all required documents.
The required documents to be submitted should be in English:
You may download the guidelines on proposal format and required documents (PDF) here.
In the event that a problem is encountered in uploading the proposal, please notify the SFRT secretariat through the . Only proposals with complete requirements and successfully submitted through the Grants Information System, will be accepted for evaluation.
All applications should be received by SEARCA not later than 31 October of every year.
1 September 2024 | Call opens |
31 October 2024 | Call closes |
15 December 2024 | Pre-screening/Shortlist finalized and sending out for external reviews |
15 February 2025 | External reviews received and finalized and send out to the applicants |
28 February 2025 | Submission of revised proposals |
28 March 2025 | Final review of revised proposals |
April 2025 | Awarding of Grants |