Hinrich Foundation Research Funding Program 2026: Call for Trade Research Proposals

The Hinrich Foundation is inviting researchers, scholars, universities, think tanks, and policy institutions to submit proposals for its 2026 International Trade Research Program.

The programme supports high-quality research projects that advance understanding of global trade issues and contribute to evidence-based policy development. Selected researchers receive funding support, mentorship, editorial guidance, and publication opportunities through the Foundation’s research and policy platforms.

The initiative is designed to encourage impactful research addressing complex global trade dynamics, economic competitiveness, digital transformation, sustainability, and international trade governance.

Deadline

• Submission deadline: 31 May 2026

Eligible Countries

• Open internationally
• Researchers and institutions from all countries are eligible to apply

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to:

• Individual researchers
• Academic scholars
• University research teams
• Think tanks
• Policy and research institutions
• Trade and economics specialists
• Independent experts with experience in trade-related research

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Expertise in international trade, economics, or related fields
• Strong research credentials and institutional affiliations where applicable
• Experience conducting empirical or theoretical research
• Capacity to deliver policy-relevant and evidence-based outputs

Research Focus Areas

The Foundation encourages proposals across a broad range of trade-related themes, including:

• Trade governance and policy frameworks
• Geopolitics of trade
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
• Global supply chain resilience and security
• Digital trade and technology adoption
• Innovation and industrial competitiveness
• Trade logistics and services
• Workforce development and trade education
• Natural resources and trade
• Trade and environmental sustainability
• Economic development and competitiveness

Types of Research Supported

Applicants may propose:

• A new research project
• A white paper
• Policy-oriented trade analysis
• Articles and analytical papers
• Summaries or overviews of existing research
• Ongoing research projects with updated findings

Funding and Support

Selected projects may receive:

• Full or partial financial support
• Editorial mentorship and guidance
• Publication support
• Visibility through Hinrich Foundation platforms
• Opportunities to contribute to global trade policy discourse

Funding is negotiable and is typically disbursed upon successful completion of the project.

Deliverables

Research outputs may include:

• White papers of approximately 4,000 words
• Articles of approximately 1,600 words
• Interim analytical articles during project implementation

All submissions are subject to editorial review, and publication decisions remain at the discretion of the Foundation.

Proposal Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Researcher or team names and credentials
• Institutional affiliations
• A detailed research synopsis
• Clear objectives and scope
• Two to four key research questions
• Proposed methodology
• Project timeline
• Funding request
• Expected deliverables

Methodology Requirements

Applicants are encouraged to clearly indicate whether the project will use:

• Primary data collection
• Secondary data analysis
• Mixed research methods

Failure to clearly explain methodology may weaken the proposal.

Project Timeline

• Projects are encouraged to be completed within four months from the point of commission
• Researchers may be required to provide interim updates and preliminary articles during implementation

Important Notes and Restrictions

• Proposals must align with the Foundation’s trade-related focus areas
• Incomplete applications may not be considered
• Deliverables must adhere to recommended word limits
• Publication of outputs is subject to Foundation approval and editorial review
• The Foundation reserves the right to provide full or partial funding support

Why This Opportunity Matters

The programme provides researchers with an important platform to:

• Contribute to international trade policy discussions
• Produce impactful evidence-based research
• Engage with global trade experts and policymakers
• Increase visibility and credibility within international trade discourse
• Influence policy and industry conversations on critical trade issues

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants are advised to avoid:

• Unclear research objectives
• Weak or missing methodology explanations
• Incomplete credentials or institutional details
• Failure to define research questions
• Ignoring deliverable requirements and timelines
• Exceeding recommended word counts

Application Process

Applicants must prepare and submit their research proposals through the official Hinrich Foundation submission platform before the stated deadline.

Click HERE to visit the official website