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Thematically Open Research

The thematically open research module funds high-quality research that contributes to the solution of global problems in least developed, low- and middle income countries. The topics in this module emerge bottom-up.

photo collage thematically open research 

​​Portrait

The topics of the r4d projects in the thematically open research module are defined by the researchers and serve the overall aim of the r4d programme. Researchers employed at a Swiss research institution as well as researchers employed at a research institution in African, Asian and Latin American countries that belong to the category of least developed, low income or lower middle income countries (DAC list published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)) are eligible to receive funding. The participation of researchers from upper middle income countries is optional and must be justified with regard to the relevance of the country for the topic. The partnership projects have to be composed of, at least, one Swiss research group and one research group from a developing country (group 1).

In the thematically open research module each project has a running time of maximally 4 years and a total budget of about CHF 600’000.

Schedule

The 1st thematically Open Call was launched on 6 June 2012.

The 2nd thematically Open Call was launched on 8 October 2014.

The 3rd thematically Open Call was launched on 27 March 2017.

Review Panel

Review Panel Members:

  • Marie-Louise Newell, University of South Hampton, United Kingdom (Panel President)
  • Urs Baltensperger, Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland (National Research Council Delegate)
  • Renaud Bequet, Université de Bordeaux, France
  • Karen Coelho, Madras Institute of Development Studies, India
  • Pierre-André Cordey, Policy and Analysis, SDC, Switzerland (SDC Delegate)
  • Roger Jefferey, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
  • Elizabeth Jimenez Zamora, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Bolivia
  • Susan Parnell, University of Cape Town, South Africa
  • Upadrasta Ramamurty, Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, India
  • Edith Taleisnik, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Argentina

Research Network

 

The first 11 r4d projects in the thematically open research module started in 2013. They represent transnational research partnerships between 12 countries and Switzerland, involving 51 grantees.

The second wave of 13 r4d projects in the thematically open research module started in 2016. They represent transnational research partnerships between 14 countries and Switzerland.

 

The third wave of 11 r4d projects in the thematically open research module were selected in May 2018. They represent transnational research partnerships between 18 countries and Switzerland, involving 55 principle investigators and their research groups.

Events

 Completed projects

 

 

Alaotra Resilience Landscape, Madagascar (AlaReLa)Alaotra Resilience Landscape, Madagascar (AlaReLa)http://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/alarela
Data on climate and extreme weather for the Central Andes (DECADE) Data on climate and extreme weather for the Central Andes (DECADE) http://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/decade
Disability and Technology in Uganda from Local and Global PerspectivesDisability and Technology in Uganda from Local and Global Perspectiveshttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/disability-and-technology
Electronic algorithms based on host biomarkers Point of Care Tests to decide on admission and antibiotic prescription in Tanzanian febrile children (e-POCT)Electronic algorithms based on host biomarkers Point of Care Tests to decide on admission and antibiotic prescription in Tanzanian febrile children (e-POCT)http://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/e-poct
Environmentally sound technology for the manufacturing of affordable building materials based on coconut husk and natural bonding agents (COCOBOARDS)Environmentally sound technology for the manufacturing of affordable building materials based on coconut husk and natural bonding agents (COCOBOARDS)http://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/cocoboards
Establishing a soil monitoring network to assess the environmental exposure to PAHs and PCBs in the province of Mayabeque, Cuba (Soil-Q)Establishing a soil monitoring network to assess the environmental exposure to PAHs and PCBs in the province of Mayabeque, Cuba (Soil-Q)http://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/soil-q
Experimental assessment of innovative slash and burn cultivation practices for sustainable land-use and deforestation prevention in Central Menabe, Madagascar (AGRIFEU)Experimental assessment of innovative slash and burn cultivation practices for sustainable land-use and deforestation prevention in Central Menabe, Madagascar (AGRIFEU)http://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/agrifeu
Insect-based feed and fertilizer production via waste transformation for small-holders in GhanaInsect-based feed and fertilizer production via waste transformation for small-holders in Ghanahttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/fertilizer-production
Knowledge support for sustainable renewable energy policies: The prospects of pro-poor biomass energy value chains in rural–urban contexts in East AfricaKnowledge support for sustainable renewable energy policies: The prospects of pro-poor biomass energy value chains in rural–urban contexts in East Africahttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/biomass-energy-value-chains
Modelling spatio-temporal dynamics of malaria and mortality to develop optimised interventions and surveillance tools in AfricaModelling spatio-temporal dynamics of malaria and mortality to develop optimised interventions and surveillance tools in Africahttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/modelling-spatio-temporal-dynamics-of-malaria

 Ongoing projects

 

 

4ONSE Monitoring System: Analysis of open (software, hardware and standard), non-conventional, sustainable and effective climate monitoring systems4ONSE Monitoring System: Analysis of open (software, hardware and standard), non-conventional, sustainable and effective climate monitoring systemshttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/climate-monitoring-system
Adapting and strengthening educational guidance and career counseling to promote decent work in two West African countries: Burkina Faso and TogoAdapting and strengthening educational guidance and career counseling to promote decent work in two West African countries: Burkina Faso and Togohttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/promotion-of-decent-work
Advancing Cervical Cancer Screening in HIV-positive women (ACCHIVe) – The Cervical Cancer Prevention and Care CascadeAdvancing Cervical Cancer Screening in HIV-positive women (ACCHIVe) – The Cervical Cancer Prevention and Care Cascadehttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/cervical-cancer-cascade
Application of organic bio-fertilizer technology to improve the sustainability of date palm production and cultivationApplication of organic bio-fertilizer technology to improve the sustainability of date palm production and cultivationhttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/bio-fertilizer-technology
Challenges of municipal solid waste management: Learning from post-crisis governance initiatives in South AsiaChallenges of municipal solid waste management: Learning from post-crisis governance initiatives in South Asiahttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/municipal-solid-waste-management
Development of a geoscientific framework for geothermal exploration and energy utilization in MongoliaDevelopment of a geoscientific framework for geothermal exploration and energy utilization in Mongoliahttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/geothermal-exploration-in-mongolia
Early detection of liver flukeEarly detection of liver flukehttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/early-detection-of-liver-fluke
Effective methodology for the assessment of integrated energy strategiesEffective methodology for the assessment of integrated energy strategieshttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/integrated-energy-strategies
Improvement of broad-spectrum disease resistance in rice: how a comprehensive study of natural rice diversity can help to reduce crop losses in developing countriesImprovement of broad-spectrum disease resistance in rice: how a comprehensive study of natural rice diversity can help to reduce crop losses in developing countrieshttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/natural-rice-diversity
Improving neonatal and infant outcomes using point-of-care tests for sexually transmitted infections in high prevalence settings (neoSTI project)Improving neonatal and infant outcomes using point-of-care tests for sexually transmitted infections in high prevalence settings (neoSTI project)http://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/neonatal-and-infant-health
Improving the HIV care cascade in Lesotho: Towards 90-90-90 – A research collaboration with the Ministry of HealthImproving the HIV care cascade in Lesotho: Towards 90-90-90 – A research collaboration with the Ministry of Healthhttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/hiv-care-cascade
Influence of different pest management systems in potato production on PEsticide REsidues in CUban SOils (PERECUSO)Influence of different pest management systems in potato production on PEsticide REsidues in CUban SOils (PERECUSO)http://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/pesticide-residues-in-cuban-soils
Innovative adjuvanted influenza vaccines: a Swiss-Indonesian collaboration towards better pandemic influenza preparednessInnovative adjuvanted influenza vaccines: a Swiss-Indonesian collaboration towards better pandemic influenza preparednesshttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/pandemic-influenza-preparedness
Intercultural transdisciplinarity in Guatemala and Peru: A North-South-South learning platform for culturally pertinent public health provision systems for indigenous populationsIntercultural transdisciplinarity in Guatemala and Peru: A North-South-South learning platform for culturally pertinent public health provision systems for indigenous populationshttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/culturally-pertinent-health-provision
Kick it like a Girl! Young Women Push Themselves Through Football in the African Public SpaceKick it like a Girl! Young Women Push Themselves Through Football in the African Public Spacehttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/kick-it-like-a-girl
Knowledge for peace. Understanding research, policy and practice synergiesKnowledge for peace. Understanding research, policy and practice synergieshttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/knowledge-for-peace
Measuring the development outcomes of resource extraction in producer countriesMeasuring the development outcomes of resource extraction in producer countrieshttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/transparency-in-resource-extraction
Mountain biodiversity and the Sustainable Development Goals: Knowledge for synergistic actionMountain biodiversity and the Sustainable Development Goals: Knowledge for synergistic actionhttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/mountain-biodiversity-and-sdgs
PINOY TanninPINOY Tanninhttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/pinoy-tannin
Preservation of Central Asian fruit tree forest ecosystems, pome fruit varieties and germplasm from the recent epidemics caused by the invasive bacterial pathogen Erwinia amylovora (fire blight)Preservation of Central Asian fruit tree forest ecosystems, pome fruit varieties and germplasm from the recent epidemics caused by the invasive bacterial pathogen Erwinia amylovora (fire blight)http://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/preservation-of-fruit-tree-forest-ecosystems
Re-cycling of biomass nutrients and carbon for advanced organic fertilization in an eco-smart and climate positive agriculture on Cuba (Bio-C)Re-cycling of biomass nutrients and carbon for advanced organic fertilization in an eco-smart and climate positive agriculture on Cuba (Bio-C)http://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/re-cycling-of-biomass-nutrients
Social Mobile Media to educate, connect and empower Frontline Health Workers in Nigeria, Zambia and South AfricaSocial Mobile Media to educate, connect and empower Frontline Health Workers in Nigeria, Zambia and South Africahttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/mobile-media-for-education
Surveillance and response to zoonotic diseases in Maya communities of Guatemala: A case for One HealthSurveillance and response to zoonotic diseases in Maya communities of Guatemala: A case for One Healthhttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/one-health-in-guatemala
The Developmental State Strikes Back? The Rise of New Global Powers and African States’ Development StrategiesThe Developmental State Strikes Back? The Rise of New Global Powers and African States’ Development Strategieshttp://www.r4d.ch/modules/thematically-open-research/new-global-powers-in-africa

Further information on this content

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Thank you and best wishes for 2022Thank you and best wishes for 2022http://www.r4d.ch/News/Pages/211222_bestwishes2022.aspx12/22/2021 6:00:00 AM
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 Contacts
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Dr. Stephanie Hoppeler Swiss National Science Foundation InterCo Division Wildhainweg 3, P.O. Box CH-3001 Bern +41 31 308 2175 stephanie.hoppeler@snf.ch

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Annemarie Renier Swiss National Science Foundation InterCo Division Wildhainweg 3 CH-3001 Bern +41 31 308 2139 annemarie.renier@snf.ch

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