Introduction
The Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar (K4DM) program invites researchers in Myanmar and the diaspora to submit proposals for research projects on issues of importance to the many social, political and economic challenges facing Myanmar and its citizens. We are particularly interested in research making use of digital tools (online surveys, online focus groups, etc) as well as research at the intersection of digital technology and current policy affairs (see more on topics below).
Call for small research proposals
Myanmar’s current issues in the “digital space”
Amount: Up to CAD 10,000
Deadline: 24 March 2023
Objectives
This call for proposals is part of a two-year initiative to fund original and highly relevant social research projects on Myanmar issues, and to support young researchers to develop and continue their interest in research. The initiative is designed to fill the vacuum that emerged as research institutes stopped existing research, and in many cases saw their staff depart Myanmar. There is a danger that research culture will be lost, depriving Myanmar’s citizens of an important avenue for independent and critical thinking. This is particularly the case in more remote ethnic minority areas of the country. There is a strong need to support research by and among vulnerable groups, including LGBT, women, and religious and ethnic minorities. Researchers submitting proposals may work individually or in teams. Younger and less experienced researchers are encouraged to apply, as research methodology training will be made available to successful candidates if needed. Of particular interest are research projects that will involve training and capacity support for young researchers from at-risk and vulnerable communities. Each funded research project will undergo a thorough risk assessment review, with digital safety training provided in advance of initiating research activities.
Research topics to be funded
A research panel composed of experts from K4DM and leading academic institutes will select and fund up to six research proposals. The research topics may vary depending on the interests of researchers but must focus on policy issues related to Myanmar people (either within or outside the country). Topics may include such issues as:
- Misinformation and strategies to counter mis/disinformation
- Ethnicity and alliance-building initiatives, particularly online initiatives
- Diaspora/refugee issues
- Digital safety and social media innovations
- Internet accessibility issues
- Health sector digital innovations (including mental health)
- Education sector digital innovations
- Finance, banking and economy issues (if related to vulnerable communities)
- Digital tools of resistance
- Other topics deemed of importance to vulnerable communities
Applicants should note that the research panel is particularly interested in topics that can directly support efforts to raise awareness on Myanmar’s socio-political issues, and/or lead to programmatic interventions such as educational outreach, mainstream media interviews, action frameworks, and so on. Purely theoretical or strictly academic papers will not be supported.
Number and amount of grants
The precise number of research grants awarded will depend on the research proposals and the funding available. The goal is for four to six research proposals to be approved at this time. Subsequent calls for research proposals will be made later in 2023.
Proposal requirements
Interested researchers should contact K4DM at the email below to receive a link to a research proposal template. Only proposals submitted using this template will be considered. Funding for each research proposal should not exceed CAD 10,000 (approx USD 7,600). Research proposals above CAD 10,000 will only be considered if there is a very strong need demonstrated for extensive fieldwork or other research costs.
Selection process
The research panel will consider all submissions received based on their own merits, taking into consideration factors such as relevance, timeliness and link to social programs or policy initiatives. The deadline to submit a completed research proposal is 24 March 2023. Successful candidates will be contacted before 21 April 2023.
Post-research communications
The research proposals should include a communications plan. The research panel intends for researchers and research teams to be available to discuss their research publicly. However, if anonymity is required, alternate dissemination plans will be considered. While travel to international conferences is not funded directly as part of this research activity, the funders will work with successful research applicants to promote Myanmar participation in international or regional policy and academic conferences.
Submission information
Interested researchers should email research@k4dm.ca to request a link to our research proposal template (a Google Form). The deadline to submit a completed research proposal is 24 March 2023. Successful candidates will be contacted before 21 April 2023.
About Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar (K4DM)
The Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar (K4DM) initiative nurtures a new generation of young actors to promote inclusion, gender equality, respect for diversity, and prosperity for all in Myanmar. K4DM is funded by IDRC and Global Affairs Canada, and works in collaboration with international partners. Making use of online courses, fellowships and research on digital spaces, the initiative supports diverse students and researchers primarily in the Myanmar diaspora and research institutions outside the country. www.k4dm.ca
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