Research Opportunities

Call for Commissioned Thematic Research 2026

The Commissioned Thematic Research is tailored to serve a critical role contributing to the vision and aims of SHAPE-SEA through its component that is specifically targeted towards evidence-based knowledge production on critical human rights and peace issues. For each call for proposals, the programme provides research grants which cover research expenses including researcher writing fee to enable scholar-practitioners, researchers and academics in the region to conduct empirical research on specific human rights and peace themes.

Proposal Details

Theme: Peace and Conflict Transformation in Southeast Asia: Searching for Peace in an Era of (continued) Uncertainties

The Commissioned Thematic Research on “Peace and Conflict Transformation in Southeast Asia” specifically intends to focus on the search for peace in this era of continued uncertainties using the framework of Transformative Peacebuilding or TP. We encourage proposals that apply the TP framework in analysing case studies in the region, highlighting aspects of transformation in the peacebuilding process. The intention is to celebrate milestones as well as critically reflect on conflict transformation processes carried out by various actors in the search for sustainable peace in the region. Lessons and good practices drawn from case studies can add on to existing knowledge and inform current and future peacebuilding and conflict transformation processes in Southeast Asia.

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For this round of the call for proposals

we encourage specific case studies focusing at the local, national or regional levels.

The guide questions presented below give an indication of what the research project(s) can cover and what is to be included, or can be included, in each case study.

The context and issues of the chosen conflict situation / The peace actors involved / Transformative peacebuilding in action / Assessment of successes and challenges.

Research proposals may also address

Peace education; Conflict Transformation and Peace-building with a focus on Myanmar, Southern Thailand, Mindanao, Philippines; or inter-national/cross-border conflict.

Eligibility

Southeast Asian scholar-practitioner and academic working and based in Southeast Asia. The proposed research project can be part of an ongoing research but must not have been published yet.

Timeline, Expected Result and Output

Selected researchers will complete their research and submit a draft manuscript for a book chapter by 23 December 2026. In early 2027, they will present their findings at a regional seminar organized by SHAPE-SEA, contributing to a broader conversation on peace and conflict transformation in the region. A final manuscript for the book chapter based on the thematic research granted of support is due by March–April 2027.

Submission Deadline

25 June 2026 (11:59PM BKK Time)

Announcement of Result

By or before 15 July 2026

Please ensure that you carefully read the SHAPE-SEA Commissioned Thematic Research 2026 Concept Note and Submission details, which can be downloaded below, before completing the application form. The information package provides full details on the research grants, including eligibility criteria and application guidelines, and will help you better understand the scope and requirements of the program. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all submitted documents are complete and accurate. The committee will not be responsible for reviewing, correcting, or redistributing any files that contain errors or mistakes prior to the selection process or at any stage thereafter.

SHAPE-SEA Commissioned Thematic Research 2026 Concept Note [Must Read]

Proposal Submission Deadline
25 June 2026 (11:59 GMT+7)

The selection committee will assess all applications based on alignment with the theme, quality of the research proposal, and feasibility of timely completion. All applicants will receive a confirmation of receipt from the SHAPE-SEA Secretariat once the submission deadline has closed on 25 June 2026. The announcement of results will be released by or before 15 July 2026. Please note that due to the volume of applications expected, only selected applicants will be contacted to move forward in the process. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest and contributions to the search for peace and conflict transformation in Southeast Asia.

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