The Structural Transformation and Economic Growth (STEG) Programme has announced its sixth call for proposals for Large Research Grants (LRGs), offering funding to support rigorous studies on economic growth and transformation in low-income countries.
The initiative seeks to deepen understanding of how economies evolve, how policies shape development outcomes, and how households, firms and public systems interact within transforming societies.
This round prioritizes research that examines structural transformation patterns and economic growth processes, including data and measurement, labour and household welfare, trade barriers, agriculture, industrial policy, spatial frictions and public sector roles.
Proposals that do not sit perfectly within these themes but are strongly relevant to structural transformation are also welcome.
Research based in middle-income countries is acceptable if it informs growth policies applicable to low-income settings.
Funding and benefits
The LRG economic growth scheme offers awards of up to $125,000 to support research assistance, data purchase, fieldwork and teaching buyouts for principal and co-investigators.
Grants also cover travel for field activities even when secondary datasets are used.
In cases where data collection costs are unusually high in low-income countries, the funding cap may be lifted.
Projects are expected to run for up to 24 months, with funding decisions communicated within five months after the deadline.
Who can apply?
Applications are open globally, with strong encouragement for collaborative work across countries.
Eligible applicants include:
- Researchers worldwide with interest in structural transformation topics
- Principal investigators with a PhD or currently enrolled in a PhD programme
- Co-investigators with similar qualifications
- PhD students (recommended to apply with senior researchers)
- Research consortia, provided formal partnership agreements are in place
Proposals involving researchers based at Russian institutions cannot be considered due to political sanctions.
PhD students applying as PIs must attach a supervisor support letter.
Application Requirements
Applicants must outline research feasibility, policy relevance, and expected contribution to knowledge.
Proposals requiring fieldwork must address health and safety considerations, include plans for COVID-19-related challenges, and demonstrate adherence to ethical review processes in host countries.
Projects will only be contracted with institutions meeting STEG’s legal and financial requirements, though CEPR may host exceptional cases where necessary.
Deadline
The deadline for this application is February 02, 2026. Visit the STEG website to apply. Explore more global calls on our Opportunities page.
Summary not available at this time.
