The Swiss Leading House for the Middle East and North Africa (LH MENA) is pleased to announce the upcoming call for projects for the Research Partnership Grants (RPG 2026). This funding scheme aims to strengthen collaboration between researchers based in Switzerland and those in partner countries across the MENA region.
The program seeks to facilitate meaningful Swiss–MENA collaboration, support the piloting of ideas for future large-scale funding opportunities, and encourage partnerships with long-term potential beyond the grant period.
Submission Deadline
June 23, 2026
Grant Details
Each grant provides up to CHF 25,000 to support either the launch of new joint projects or the consolidation of existing initiatives. Approximately 10 projects will be selected.
- Project duration: up to 12 months
- Research costs, including equipment, travel expenses, conference costs, and living allowances, may be eligible under certain conditions.
Application Details
Open to all scientific disciplines, the call welcomes a wide range of methods and approaches, including field research, feasibility studies, qualitative interviews, artistic or design-based research.
Proposals intended for military applications will be automatically rejected.
All applications must be submitted in English.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must hold a position (permanent or valid until the end of the project) within an eligible institution (see below) and demonstrate at least three years of research or relevant professional experience.
Eligible Institutions
From Switzerland
- Accredited higher education institutions (list provided by swissuniversities)
- Research institutions as defined in Articles 4 and 5 of the RIPA
From the MENA Region
- Accredited universities
- Public research institutes
An accreditation certificate may be requested by the Leading House MENA for clarification purposes.
The mutual commitment of both partners, including co-funding or in-kind contributions, is considered a key selection criterion.
Contact Information
Please refer to this page for the application guidelines and submission platform.
For further information, please contact lhmena@hes-so.ch