The Data and Research in Education – Research Consortium (DARE-RC) has officially launched its inaugural research grant cycle at a prestigious event held at the Marriott Hotel in Karachi. The launch event was attended by prominent academics, researchers, government officials, representatives from non-profit organizations, and independent scholars, all eager to explore new avenues for educational research in Pakistan.
DARE-RC, spearheaded by Oxford Policy Management and funded by the UK International Development, has partnered with the Aga Khan University Institute of Educational Development and SightSavers to establish a platform dedicated to advancing educational research in the country. The event marked the unveiling of the “Call for Application Cycle-1,” providing essential information on eligibility criteria, grant requirements, and the overall funding process.
Grant Details and Funding Opportunities
Participants at the launch were given a detailed overview of the budget brackets for the research grants available under this cycle. Two categories of grants were introduced: Small Research Grants, ranging from Rs14 million to Rs34 million, and Large Research Grants, ranging from Rs28 million to Rs80 million.
The expected duration for these research projects was also highlighted. Small research projects are designed to be completed within 6 to 12 months, with the possibility of an extension up to 15 months. Large projects, on the other hand, may span 12 to 18 months, with an extension potential up to 20 months, depending on the project’s scope and methodology.
To assist applicants, a comprehensive “Call for Application” document was shared during the event, along with a dedicated FAQ page. The web-based application process was also introduced, allowing for the submission of required documents through an online platform, streamlining the application procedure.
Commitment to Educational Reform
Speaking at the event, Martin Dawson, Deputy Head of Mission at the British High Commission in Karachi, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to educational reform in Pakistan. He emphasized that the UK International Development is focused on fostering evidence-based policy reforms in Pakistan’s education sector to tackle the critical challenges it faces.
Dr. Dilshad Ashraf, Deputy Research Director of DARE-RC, outlined the consortium’s research agenda, emphasizing the importance of improving learning outcomes for marginalized children and developing resilient education systems. Her remarks underscored the consortium’s commitment to generating impactful research that can inform policy and practice in Pakistan’s education sector.
In support of DARE-RC’s mission, Dr. Fouzia Khan, Chief Executive Advisor of the School Education & Literacy Department (SELD) Government of Sindh, praised the consortium’s work on evidence-based policy reforms. She offered full support from SELD, highlighting the significance of collaborative efforts in driving educational advancements in the region.
Interactive Q&A Session
The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where participants had the opportunity to interact directly with the DARE-RC team. The session provided clarity on various aspects of the grant application process, allowing potential applicants to address their queries and gain insights into the consortium’s expectations.
For those interested in applying for the grants, the DARE-RC has provided a dedicated website, https://darerc.org/apply-for-grant/, where all relevant information, including the application process, guidelines, and deadlines, is available. The deadline to submit proposals is 12th September 2024.
A New Chapter for Educational Research in Pakistan
The launch of DARE-RC’s inaugural research grant cycle marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s education sector. With robust support from international and local partners, the initiative is poised to drive meaningful research that can contribute to the development of more effective and inclusive educational policies and practices in Pakistan. As the application cycle begins, researchers across the country have a unique opportunity to contribute to this transformative journey toward educational excellence.
