The Urban Studies Foundation (USF) has officially launched “Urban Urgencies,” a new research funding initiative designed to seed-fund collaborative primary research proposals.
This program seeks to address the most pressing challenges facing the world’s cities, from climate emergencies to threats against democracy.
Urban Studies Foundation focuses on what it describes as “polycrises”—intersecting issues such as housing and food insecurity, public health pandemics, and the rise of artificial intelligence.
By funding rapid-response research, the USF aims to proactively shape inclusive, equitable, and sustainable urban futures.
Because urban urgencies are often contingent on specific locations, the call refrains from a fixed thematic focus.
Instead, it invites proposals that link evidence to theory and practice while challenging existing understandings of urban dynamics and form.
Funding and benefits
Urban Studies Foundation will give successful applicants a grant of up to GBP £35,000 for their projects.
The USF intends to award this funding to up to six innovative projects that demonstrate a compelling and timely contribution to scholarly debate.
In addition to the primary grant, the USF will support modest overheads for host institutions located in countries on the most recent OECD list of ODA recipients.
This global approach ensures that research can bridge diverse contexts across both the Global North and South.
Project activities are expected to last up to eighteen months and must begin within nine months of the application deadline.
High-quality outputs, including academic publications and public-facing policy briefs, are expected outcomes of the funded research.
Application requirements and eligibility
The competition is open to researchers and organizations globally, but proposals must be based on an active partnership.
Specifically, each project requires a minimum of two organizations, at least one of which must be a non-academic organization.
Applicants must submit a completed web form including CVs (maximum two pages each), letters of support from partner organizations, and budget evidence.
The USF prioritizes initiatives that foster trans-disciplinary collaboration and support early-career researchers.
A selection committee will evaluate proposals based on their potential for high-impact outcomes in urban governance, justice, and sustainability.
The USF aims to reach a decision on all applications within twelve weeks of the closing date.
Deadline
The window for submissions is strictly time-bound, with a final cutoff of March 23, 2026, at 23:59 UTC+0.
The Foundation has explicitly stated that extensions to this deadline will not be permitted.
Visit the Urban Studies Foundation call page to apply. Explore our global opportunities page for more.
Summary not available at this time.
