Deadline: January 31, 2026
The SVRI-Kering Foundation Early Career Research Fellowships 2026 support emerging scholars committed to advancing knowledge on the intersection between violence against women (VAW) and violence against children (VAC). Designed specifically for researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), this fellowship strengthens global research leadership, enhances skills, and promotes evidence-based practices that address intertwined forms of violence affecting women, girls, and children.
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About the Fellowship
The fellowship is an initiative of the Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI), supported by the Kering Foundation. It is designed to build and strengthen the capacity of early-career LMIC-based researchers whose work focuses on the VAW–VAC intersection, an area that remains severely under-researched despite its critical importance.
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen leadership and technical capacity among early-career scholars
- Promote feminist and equity-driven research agendas
- Amplify locally led scholarship and knowledge production
- Build strong regional and global networks
- Support career growth, mentorship, and evidence dissemination
Fellowship Categories and Funding
A total of four fellowships will be awarded for the 2026 cycle:
- 2 Doctoral Research Fellowships
- 2 Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
Funding Amounts:
- Doctoral Fellows: Up to US $17,000
- Postdoctoral Fellows: Up to US $20,500
Funding Duration:
Awards may support research activities for up to two (2) years.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be a national of, and residing in, a low- or middle-income country (LMIC)
- Be enrolled full-time at an accredited, in-person academic institution located in an LMIC
- Conduct research focused specifically on the intersection of violence against women (VAW) and violence against children (VAC)
- Doctoral applicants must have an institutionally approved or defended dissertation proposal
Preference is given to applicants who:
- Are from historically under-represented regions or identity groups
- Demonstrate strong commitment to advancing the rights, protection, and well-being of women, girls, and children
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
- Personal statement outlining career goals and commitment to VAW–VAC research
- Community impact statement
- Research proposal
- Recent academic transcripts
- Two letters of reference (one must be from an academic advisor)
- Institutional verification letter
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a panel interview.
Application Deadline
31 January 2026 (11:50 PM South African Time)
Late submissions will not be accepted.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The fellowship confronts longstanding inequities in global research by centering the voices and expertise of LMIC-based scholars. Historically, much of the research on violence against women and children has been driven by institutions in high-income countries, leading to gaps in contextual relevance and representation.
This programme:
- Promotes locally generated evidence that reflects real-world conditions
- Fosters sustainable research careers for LMIC-based scholars
- Strengthens global networks committed to reducing gender-based and child-focused violence
- Supports innovative, interdisciplinary approaches that address overlapping forms of harm affecting vulnerable populations
How to Apply
Applicants must submit all materials through the designated online portal.
- Apply Here: Click to Apply
- Read More About the Programme: Learn More
Need Help?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
