The FCDO Research Commissioning Centre, co-led by 3ie and the University of Birmingham, invites expressions of interest to establish a Multi-Hazard Research Network (MHRN) to provide rapid, high-quality evidence and expert advice to the FCDO and its partners and inform responses to emergencies. Led by a UK academic or not-for-profit institution with an international and interdisciplinary network of partners, the MHRN aims to inform evidence-based, timely decision-making that reduces suffering and saves lives during emergencies.
The deadline for submissions of expressions of interest is 17:00 UTC, 8 October 2025.
At a glance
Background
The FCDO is at the forefront of the UK government response to emergencies overseas, including, for example, natural hazard events and infectious disease outbreaks. The FCDO is commissioning a MHRN to support the in-house capabilities of the FCDO, the wider UK government, and its partners in global crisis preparedness and response. The MHRN will serve as a central point of contact to coordinate and deploy expertise rapidly and effectively across the emergency cycle—from early warning and preparedness to emergency response and post-crisis learning—and provide high-quality, accessible, and timely tools and advice that are tailored to operational needs and grounded in collaboration with local actors.
Funding type: Accountable grant with FCDO
Award size: Proposals should be in the £12–15m range (with per annum spend not exceeding £5m) with the potential for future phases.
Key dates
Call for expressions of interest (EOIs) launched on: 4 September 2025
Updated FAQs published: 23 September 2025 (Please submit questions by 16 September)
EOI submission deadline: 8 October 2025, 17:00 UTC
Invitations issued to submit full proposals: 3 November 2025
Full proposal submission deadline: 3 December 2025, 17:00 UTC
MHRN appointment and launch: Early 2026
Note: In case there are any changes to these dates, the revisions will be reflected here.
Key events
Information event: an information event was held on 21 August. To request a recording of this event, please email rcc@3ieimpact.org. Questions raised during the event have been addressed in the FAQs document. Slides from this event can be accessed here.
Matchmaking event: 15 September 2025, 14:00-16:00 UTC (15:00 – 17:00 BST)
The RCC is facilitating a virtual matchmaking event to support applicants in identifying potential partners and building interdisciplinary networks to answer the needs of the MHRN. Please complete the survey here for access to registration.
Eligibility
- Lead applicants must be UK-based academic or not-for-profit institutions. International and private sector organisations may be included as partners.
- Only legally registered organisations and consortia of registered organisations (not individuals) may apply.
- Lead organisations may only submit one EOI as a lead applicant.
- There are no restrictions on the number of submissions in which an organisation is named as a partner organisation.
How to apply
Applicants should thoroughly review the call documents and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below and complete the application form on the RCC grant management system.
- Call for EOIs
- Grant management system
- FAQ document
- RCC Application Template (For reference only – please apply through the grant management system)
- Grant management system user guide
Supporting information
If successful, funding recipients will be required to adhere to FCDO policies on value for money, safeguarding, open science and ethical research standards, including those mentioned below. We strongly recommend reviewing these before applying:
- FCDO Programme Operating Framework (PrOF)
- FCDO Programme Expenditure: Eligible Cost Guidance for Accountable Grant Agreements
- FCDO Risk Register Template*
- FCDO Due Diligence Guide for external partners
- FCDO Accountable Grant Arrangement Template
*Applicants are not required to fill in the risk register template at the calls for expressions of interest stage. This resource is included for information only.
Contact
If you have any questions related to this opportunity, please submit them by 16 September to the rcc@3ieimpact.org mailbox including “FCDO MHRN – Request for clarification” in the subject line.
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