Evidence-to-Impact Research Grant

Advancing rigorous empirical research that transforms development and public policy in the Middle East and North Africa

The Evidence-to-Impact Research Grant program leads a new era of methodological rigor in development research. For decades, interventions across the MENA region have relied on abstract theories and ideological prescriptions that neglect local realities, dismiss empirical evidence, and entrench ineffective practices. Axis Institute confronts this legacy by supporting uncompromising, evidence-based research that applies advanced methods, experimental designs, and data insights to the world's most pressing challenges.

This grant program supports early-career and established researchers who are pushing the boundaries of what we know about development, poverty alleviation, and economic transformation in the MENA region. We seek scholars who combine methodological sophistication with practical relevance, producing research that not only advances academic knowledge but directly informs policy design and implementation.

Research Philosophy

The Evidence-to-Impact Grant is anchored in disciplined research ethos. Policy claims must rest on credible causal identification; empirical inquiry must be embedded in the political, economic, and cultural realities of MENA; and findings must translate into decisions that measurably improve welfare. We prioritize transparent methods, reproducible analysis, and data integrity, pairing methodological rigor with context-sensitive design. By promoting actionable evidence and implementation models, the program elevates research from diagnosis to delivery in order to reshape governance and redefine how poverty, policy, and development are understood across the region.

$50K

Standard Grant Maximum

$200K

Large Grant Maximum

36

Months Maximum Duration

$25K

PI Compensation

Funding Structure

Standard Research Grants ($25,000 - $50,000)

Designed for single or small-team projects with focused research questions and clear policy implications for local communities:

Up to $45,000 for data collection, research tools, field work, and experimental implementation

Up to $5,000 for PI compensation and research-related travel

Duration: 12-24 months with possibility of extension based on project timeline

Deliverables: academic paper, policy brief, and a public presentation of findings hosted by Axis Institute

All research must adhere to the Axis Institute Code of Conduct and comply with research transparency and reproducibility standards.

Large-Scale Research Initiatives ($75,000 - $200,000)

Supporting ambitious multi-year projects that tackle fundamental development challenges and systemic issues in governance:

Eligible research includes, but is not limited to:

- Multi-Country Studies: Comparative research across multiple MENA countries

- Longitudinal Research: Panel studies tracking development outcomes over time

- Experimental Interventions: Large-scale RCTs testing innovative development solutions

- Infrastructure Development: Building datasets and research infrastructure for broader use

Up to $175,000 for data collection, research tools, field work, and experimental implementation

Up to $25,000 for PI compensation and research-related travel

Duration: 24-36 months with structured milestone reviews

Deliverables are not limited to: academic paper, policy brief, and a public presentation of findings hosted by Axis Institute

All research must adhere to the Axis Institute Code of Conduct and comply with research transparency and reproducibility standards.

Rapid Response Grants (Up to $30,000)

Fast-track funding for time-sensitive research challenges:

Natural experiments arising from policy changes or external shocks

Time-sensitive data collection opportunities

Pilot studies for larger research programs

6-month timeline with expedited review process

Priority Research Areas

We welcome innovative proposals across all development fields and encourage research in the following areas:

Labor Markets and Human Capital

Youth unemployment and skills mismatches

Female labor force participation barriers and solutions

Migration and remittances' development impacts

Education quality and learning outcomes

Informal sector dynamics and formalization pathways

Governance and Institutional Capacity

Bureaucratic effectiveness and state capacity

Corruption measurement and anti-corruption interventions

Decentralization and local governance

Rule of law and property rights enforcement

Social accountability and citizen engagement

Technology and Development

Artificial intelligence applications in service delivery

Digital financial inclusion and money ecosystems

E-governance and transformation of public services

Technology adoption and productivity in traditional sectors

Digital labor markets and taxation solutions

Climate Adaptation and Resilience

Economic impacts of climate change in arid regions

Water resource management and allocation mechanisms

Climate-smart agriculture and food security

Energy transition for oil-dependent economies

Climate migration and urbanization dynamics

Overarching Themes

Fragility and Conflict: Understanding development in conflict-affected settings

Political Economy: How political incentives shape development outcomes

Behavioral Insights: Psychological and cultural factors in development interventions

Inequality: Spatial, ethnic, and gender disparities in development outcomes

Data Innovation: Novel data sources and measurement approaches

Eligibility Requirements

PhD in economics, international development, public policy, or related quantitative social science field

At least one peer-reviewed publication or academic journals

Clear commitment to the MENA region, either through prior research, institutional partnerships, or proposed project design

Commitment to capacity building through involvement of regional researchers and local governments

For institutional applicants and affiliates: Confirmation of institutional review board (IRB) approval or timeline for obtaining approval

Application

Research Proposals

A concise yet comprehensive research proposal addressing:

Research Question: Clear articulation of the development challenge and specific research questions

Literature Review: Positioning within existing knowledge and identification of gaps

Methodology: Detailed research design including identification strategy, data sources, and analytical approach

Policy Relevance: Explicit connection to policy decisions and development practice

Innovation: How the research advances methodological or substantive knowledge

Budget Plan

Detailed budget breakdown including:

Personnel costs (research assistants, field coordinators, consultants)

Data collection expenses (surveys, experiments, administrative data access)

Equipment and software

Travel and dissemination costs

Indirect costs (maximum 15% of direct costs)

Supporting Documents

Applicants are expected to submit the following documents:

Curriculum vitae for all senior research team members

Two letters of recommendation from established researchers or PI's

Timeline with clear milestones and deliverables

Data management plan ensuring reproducibility and transparency

Application Process

Initial Application (April 1 - June 1)

Administrative review for proposals and eligibility. Technical review for methodological approach and policy relevance

External Review (June 15 - June 30)

Three external reviewers evaluate proposals on scientific merit, innovation, and potential impact

Panel Review (July 1 - July 30)

Axis scientific advisory board reviews top proposals and makes funding recommendations

Final Decision (August 10)

Axis leadership makes final funding decisions based on scientific merit and strategic alignment

Application Opens April 1, 2026

Submit your proposal to advance the frontiers of policy design and development implementation to transform governance and economic growth in the Middle East and North Africa