Implementation of the WHO Global Research Agenda on Knowledge Translation (2025)
Eligible Countries:
The lead principal investigator must work for an institution located in a low– or middle-income country according to World Bank classification.
Background and Rationale
In May 2025 WHO published a Global Research Agenda on Knowledge Translation (GRA-KT). The draft publication is available as a supplement on the eTDR platform. This TDR call will support research projects that address one or more of the priorities under the three domains of the GRA-KT to:
- Identify, Develop, and Assess KT Interventions
- Address Barriers, Facilitators and Opportunities
- Develop new Methods, Standards, Measurements (M&E), Theories and Frameworks.
Preference will be given to those studies that show how their research will support the 2024–2029 TDR strategy that builds on our experience to support country-led implementation research to improve access to and scale-up of health interventions, strategies, and policies and strengthens health systems. We work with implementers and social innovators, alongside researchers, to help democratize research and demonstrate that it is a useful and practical tool for people tackling health issues on the ground.
The TDR strategy focuses on four major global health challenges affecting infectious diseases of poverty using a One Health approach .
1. Epidemics and outbreaks
2. Control and elimination of diseases of poverty
3. Climate change’s impact on health
4. Resistance to treatment and control agents
This call for applications is undertaken in collaboration with the WHO Evidence Informed Policy unit. Awards will be made on condition of receiving appropriate ethical clearance.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants submitting proposals must be researchers or health professionals working in a public health institution under the umbrella of a ministry of health, university or research institution, or a nongovernmental organization from a low- or middle-income country as defined by the World Bank classification. Applications that include collaborations with partners in high-income countries are welcome.
Applicants must demonstrate a track record of experience in knowledge translation, communication of research and activities that supported the use of evidence to inform policy.
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity in science. Researchers are encouraged to apply irrespective of gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious, cultural and social backgrounds, or (dis)ability status.
Evaluation criteria and selection process
Each application will be screened for compliance with the eligibility criteria. Following this, each eligible application will be assessed independently by at least five reviewers, and scores will be assigned based on the sets of criteria. The highest scoring applications will be recommended for funding. Only projects that receive ethical approval will be funded.
We encourage applicants to review their own application against the criteria above before submitting. It is strongly recommended that applicants read both the GRA-KT and the TDR Strategy as preparation for developing their protocol.
Financial support
Successful applicants will receive up to US$ 20,000 per project, including an estimate of open access publication costs or commitment to seek a waiver. Co-funding from domestic or other sources is encouraged. Funds will be made available in three tranches. By the end of 2025 up to $10,000 will be disbursed to undertake planning, protocol development, seek co-funding and apply for ethics approval. By the end of 2026 up to $8,000 will be granted for implementation, reporting and dissemination activities. The remaining 10% will be granted on completion of the project and submission of technical and financial reports.
Timeframe: Projects must be completed within a period of up to 15 months. The final deadline to submit technical and financial reports is 30 January 2027. Academic manuscripts may be published after this date.
How to apply
Applications should be submitted online no later than 3 July 2025 (17:00 CEST), through the eTDR Community Site.
You will need to create an account (if you don’t already have one) on the site and log in before you can apply.
Before you start the online application process, please complete the form by accessing the link below:
Download the application form in English
NB: Proposals should be prepared in English and uploaded in eTDR system.
The application form must be completed, signed appropriately, and uploaded in eTDR as part of your online application. Letter of support from the ministry of health (or other ministry) or a Departmental Head for a university or Director for an NGO should be included. Please also include all investigators’ current curriculum vitae (CV). Incomplete applications will not be considered.
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