The Global Development Awards Competition (GDAC) is now accepting submissions for 2025. Organised by the Global Organisation Network, this prestigious programme brings together a diverse community of researchers and development practitioners, supporting innovative projects that benefit marginalised groups in the developing world.
About the Awards
The GDAC is an innovative award scheme administered by the Global Development Network (GDN) and funded through the Policy and Human Resources Development Fund (PHRD) trust fund, managed by the World Bank and generously supported by the Ministry of Finance, Government of Japan.
It aims to identify emerging talent, support the career advancement of researchers in the Global South, and fund impactful social development projects.
2025 Theme: Digital Transformation for Universal Health Coverage
This year’s competition focuses on the critical role of research and innovation in advancing universal health coverage through digital solutions. Two main award categories are open for submissions:
1. The Japanese Award for Outstanding Research on Development (ORD)
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to social science researchers with proposals that focus on building empirical evidence and actionable insights to advance universal health coverage through digital solutions.
- Research should explore how digital technologies can transform healthcare access across low- and middle-income countries.
Benefits
- Grants ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 to support research work
- Mentoring from a Scientific Advisor and Technical Advisor
2. The Japanese Award for Most Innovative Development Project (MIDP)
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to non-profit Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) with existing projects focused on the development, implementation, or evaluation of digital healthcare solutions in underserved regions.
Benefits
- Grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 to support project work
- Mentoring from a Scientific Advisor and Technical Advisor
How to Apply
Interested candidates can learn more and submit their applications here.
Application Deadline: Check the GDN website for specific dates.
The Global Development Awards Competition (GDAC) for 2025 is now open for submissions, organized by the Global Organisation Network. This competition aims to bring together researchers and development practitioners to support innovative projects benefiting marginalized groups in developing countries. Administered by the Global Development Network and funded by the World Bank's Policy and Human Resources Development Fund, the awards aim to identify and support burgeoning talent and impactful social development initiatives, especially in the Global South.
The theme for 2025 is "Digital Transformation for Universal Health Coverage," focusing on how research and innovation can improve healthcare access through digital solutions in low- and middle-income countries. The competition features two main award categories. The Japanese Award for Outstanding Research on Development is open to social science researchers with proposals to advance universal health coverage using digital technologies, offering grants from $10,000 to $30,000 along with expert mentoring. The Japanese Award for Most Innovative Development Project is open to NGOs and CSOs working on digital healthcare solutions in underserved regions, offering grants from $25,000 to $50,000 and mentoring support.
Interested applicants can find more information and apply on the GDN website, with specific deadlines available online.
