Global Development Hub ODA Project Accelerator

Background 
Research England has received funding from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to be allocated to higher education providers for financial year 2024 to 2025. This new funding arises from the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) and comprises an Institutional Support Grant (ODA) funding which has been awarded to universities. 
 
The Global Development Hub brings together Imperial’s community to develop, amplify and support research and education impact in Lower Middle Income Countries (LMICs) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). 
 
Scope and use of funds 
The Grant must only be used to fund activities that are ODA compliant, as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). To be ODA compliant, all funded activity must have the promotion of the economic development and welfare of developing countries on the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee (DAC) list as its main objective; often referred to as the ‘primary purpose test’. 
 
UK ODA funding is governed by the International Development Act 2002, and the International Development (Gender Equality) Act 2014 which requires that aid must be “likely to contribute to reducing poverty in a way which is likely to contribute to reducing inequality between persons of different gender”. 
 
Funding 
PIs are invited to submit an application as part of this grant.

Projects must be completed within 6 months and have defined and realistic milestones. There is no maximum budget, but 6-month projects will typically cost £40K-£60K dependent on the activities. 
 
Draft/standalone costings are acceptable for submission given the timeframe; Worktribe is not required at this stage. Spend on equipment is permitted as part of this funding. 
 
Please note: the funding must be spent by 31 March 2025, with no possibility of extension. The Global Development Hub will check in with PIs to monitor spend, and if PIs have been unable to spend the funding, it will be reallocated to other ODA projects. 
 
The deadline for applications is the end of Friday 16 August 2024. 
 
Key points: 

• All spend must be ODA compliant   
• The funding must be spent by 31 March 2025; this is due to constraint in the funding received from Research England

Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:

• Ability to deliver and feasibility of proposed activity
• Quality of proposed activity
• Benefits and impact of project  
• ODA and gender equality compliance