The SOR4D programme supports transdisciplinary research in collaboration with developing countries. It will run from 2022 to 2026.
The SNSF and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) are launching the new Solution-oriented Research for Development (SOR4D) programme. New insights and innovative approaches are needed to reduce poverty and to implement the 2030 Agenda in developing countries. Joint efforts by international transdisciplinary research partnerships can make a difference.
The overarching goal of the SOR4D programme is to produce better knowledge, solutions and innovation by needs-driven, transdisciplinary research that opens up new ways for advancing sustainable development and reducing poverty in the least developed, low and lower middle-income countries.
Topical focus
The SOR4D programme is open to all disciplines from the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, health and life sciences. It particularly encourages interdisciplinary collaboration between research domains where such collaboration is appropriate. Proposals must explicitly aim for systemic and transformative solutions that simultaneously address several of the 17 SDGs. The SOR4D programme seeks proposals in all thematic fields of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, particularly where they relate to the four objectives of Switzerland’s International Cooperation Strategy:
- Contributing to sustainable economic growth, market development and the creation of decent jobs (economic development).
- Addressing climate change and its effects and managing natural resources sustainably (environment).
- Saving lives, ensuring quality basic services, especially in relation to education and healthcare, and reducing the causes of forced displacement and irregular migration (human development).
- Promoting peace, the rule of law and gender equality (peacebuilding and governance)
Projects are thematically open, but must contribute directly to the objectives of sustainable development. There is a strong focus on solutions, pilot testing and implementing at local, regional or global levels.
Projects will be selected in a two-stage process. Pre-proposals must be submitted by 13 February 2023.