This ESRC-DFID joint scheme funds world-class research on a broad range of topics to enhance the quality and impact of social science, and contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. A key feature of the scheme is that it is open to Southern institutions as bid leaders.

There are 55 current projects, in addition to 46 projects from phase 1.

Phase 3

DFID and ESRC announced phase 3 of the joint scheme in October. The latest funding calls under this phase closed on 29 November 2012:

• outline proposals for research grants between £100,000 and £500,000. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit full proposals by the end of April 2013.
  
• a new development frontiers research fund, for high-risk/high-reward research ideas. Funding decisions will be communicated to applicants in early June 2013.