Which projects?

Funding may be used for any research related activity, for example new collaborative research projects including but not limited to:

• Pilot projects
  
• Exploratory and innovation studies
  
• Data exploration
  
• Fieldwork and support for projects led by early career researchers (with mentoring where appropriate)
  
• Conferences
  
• Workshops and seminars
  
• Fellowships, exchanges and placements
  

We are particularly interested in research that takes a cross-sector and collaborative approach to addressing protection needs. In a rapidly changing context (influenced by conflict, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other forms of volatility), projects should consider how urgent action may be taken.

Aside from the criteria set out in relation to eligibility (see below), projects may take an approach that is arts-based, qualitative, quantitative, or uses a mixture of methods. The methodological approach should be in conversation with the work of cross-sector partners and collaborators and should aim to strengthen capacity where possible and needed. Applicants should consider how these approaches may transform public perceptions, policies, and NGO action in the Maghreb.

Applications should consider potential impacts, and how these support MADAR's aims and priorities, and must include a project timeline as well as an impact plan. Project teams should draw collaboratively on the knowledge of partners and organizations to set out the specifics of how they will contribute to change and action on urgent protection issues.

Impacts to consider could include:

• How the proposed project may contribute to theorising displacement and protection in the Maghreb and beyond
  
• How the proposed project addresses gaps in the quantitative and statistical data of displacement and migration at regional and national levels
  
• How the project contributes to building capacity for local NGOs, providing a basis for rapid, responsive action and evidence-based solutions to urgent protection issues
  
• How the project may provide necessary support (administrative, legal, medical, psychological, etc.) to conflict-induced displaced people in the region
  
• How the project will be inclusive of people of all genders and how the research will contribute to reducing gender inequalities.
  

Projects must produce outputs that are appropriate to the aims and target audiences of the project. These may include but are not limited to: academic publications (journal articles, book chapters, edited books, monographs or conference papers), websites or digital resources, policy briefings, public engagement activities, training materials, exhibitions, films, videos/documentaries, performances or other creative outputs.

Applications will be assessed according to the following criteria:

• Research quality, significance, and focus: An excellent proposal is interdisciplinary, challenge-led and solution-focused, is based on existing scholarship, and brings together research and practice in addressing these challenges. Proposals should demonstrate the significance and importance of the project and its potential contribution to knowledge; the appropriateness of the research methods. Projects must be ODA compliant and LMIC driven (e.g. drawing on local/indigenous knowledge). Proposals must detail how they will identify and manage safeguarding risks, and ethical considerations. Proposals should address MADAR’s priorities and challenges. Project proposals must fit in with one or more of our three priorities. A proposal which makes no reference to any of these priorities will be ineligible.
  
• People and Management: Including the quality and importance of the Co-Applicants' work to date; the ability of the research team to bring the project to completion; and the suitability of the opportunities which the project will make available to support the development of research staff on the project. Including the appropriateness of the project plan and timeframes; and the extent to which sufficient time and resources have been allocated to achieving each aspect of the project.
  
• Outputs, dissemination and impact: Including the appropriateness of the proposed plans for dissemination and impact; the likelihood that the outputs and outcomes of the project will be highly valued and widely exploited, both in the research community and in wider contexts where they can make a difference. Projects should include impact-driven outputs to focus on research (e.g. scientific publications), creation (e.g. creative outputs and/or dissemination strategies) and action (e.g. policy recommendations). Projects should include strategies for sustainability, scalability, and legacy of proposed interventions involving local and affected communities.
  
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Proposals should demonstrate that applicants have considered issues such as gender, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
  
• Value for money: Including the extent to which the likely outcome of the research will represent value for money; the resources requested are reasonable in the context of the project; there are appropriate processes and controls in place to ensure due diligence.