ICRMS Research Grants targets academics and experts holding a Ph.D., with at least 5 publications (relevant to the themes/topics) in W, X or Y categories of Higher Education Commission (HEC) recognized journals respectively. The research grant category is aimed at seasoned researchers, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to the field. The selected candidates will receive a grant of 0.4 million PKR.

• Non-Refoulement, Legal Status, and Protection Gaps: Examining Pakistan’s Compliance with International and National Refugee Law in the Context of Afghan Refugees.
• Legal Stay, Documentation Reform, and Protection Risks for Vulnerable Afghan Refugees under IFRP Phase-III in Pakistan.
• Forced Return of Afghan Refugees and Its Socio-Economic Consequences: Labour Shortages and Structural Impacts on Pakistan’s Economy.

ICRMS projects are expected to result in a paper published in the International Journal of Refugee, Minority, and Gender Studies, which is affiliated with ICRMS.

The copyright for the selected projects will belong to ICRMS-UNHCR, and the work cannot be published or submitted elsewhere. The funding will be released in two tranches, contingent upon the completion of specific deliverables and project milestones outlined in the submission requirements.

Phase 1: Proposal Presentation (shortlisted applicants)

1. Preparation of Short Research Project Description (One Pager)
2. Presentation of Proposal in Defense

Phase 2: Preparatory Phase Tasks and Expected Deliverables (April 15–April 17, 2025):

1. Signing of Contract with ICRMS
   • Submission of Updated CV and a 100-word Biography
   • Attested Copies of Academic Documents and Bank Account Details

Phase 3: Proposal Refinement and Approval Tasks and Expected Deliverables (April 20–23, 2026):

1. Revision of Proposal based on Evaluators’ Feedback and Key Performance Indicators
   • Revised Proposal Incorporating Evaluators’ Feedback and Key Performance Indicators
   • Development of Research Activity Timeline and Milestones

Phase 4: Research Execution Tasks and Expected Deliverables (02 June – December 11, 2026):

1. Submission of 1st Progress and Financial Report for Release of First Tranche of Funding (June 02, 2025)
2. Submission of 2nd Progress and Financial Report and Field Data for Release of Second Tranche (September 15, 2026)
3. Revision of Final Draft Incorporating Evaluators’ Feedback (October 30, 2026)
4. Presenting the Research Findings at the Symposium organized by ICRMS (November 17, 2026)
5. Submission of Paper following ICRMS’ Journal (IJRMGS) Guidelines (December 15, 2026)

Phase 5: Reporting and Documentation Tasks and Expected Deliverables (December 22, 2026):

1. Creation of 2–5 Minute Video Documentary of the Research Project
2. Preparation of Research Budget Utilization Report
3. Submission of Final Research and Financial Report in Hard Form for Release of Third Tranche of Funding
   • Final Research Report
   • 2–5 Minute Video Documentary
   • Research Budget Utilization or Financial Report Submission is Compulsory for the Release of the Final Third Tranche (see the Financial Proposal Guidelines for ICRMS Research Award Annexure 1)
   • Submission of Final Research Report in Hard Form

1. Call for Proposals Announcement:
   • ICRMS issues a formal Call for Proposals, inviting scholars and researchers to submit their research proposals based on the specified thematic areas and eligibility criteria.
2. Proposal Submission:
   • Interested applicants submit their research proposals, along with required documents such as CV, work plan, timeline, and proposal format, to the designated submission portal.
3. Initial Screening:
   • The submitted proposals undergo an initial screening process to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and adhere to the specified format by ICRMS staff.
4. UNHCR Screening:
   • The initial shortlisted proposals are sent to UNHCR for further screening and those aligned with UNHCR’s mandate are nominated for selection.
5. Final Selection:
   • The expert review panel based on ICRMS, UNHCR, and Academic Evaluators evaluates and selects the submitted proposals based on criteria such as relevance to thematic areas, clarity of objectives, feasibility, methodological rigor, innovation, and potential impact.

6. Notification of Results:
   • Selected applicants are notified of their successful selection and provided with detailed instructions regarding the next steps, including the signing of contracts, submission of additional documents, and commencement of the research project.
7. Publication of Results:
   • ICRMS announces the selected research projects publicly and may also publish the list of selected applicants on its website or through other communication channels.
8. Proposal Defense:
   • Selected applicants are invited to defend their proposals in front of the expert review panel. During the defense, applicants present their research plans, address panel members’ queries, and provide additional clarifications.

The International Center for Refugee and Migration Studies (ICRMS) provides research grants to support high-quality, policy-relevant research. Applicants are required to submit a clear, realistic, and well-justified financial proposal that directly supports the objectives and methodology of the proposed research project.

ICRMS evaluates financial proposals based on relevance, transparency, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with the Institute’s financial policies.

• Maximum Grant Amount

ICRMS provides a maximum research grant of PKR 400,000 per project (inclusive of all applicable taxes).

Applicants must ensure that the total proposed budget does not exceed this amount.

ICRMS will not bear any additional or unforeseen costs beyond the approved grant amount. Any expenses exceeding the approved budget shall be the responsibility of the principal investigator or host institution.

1. 1. Eligible Budget Categories

      ICRMS allows applicants to allocate research funds under the following categories.

      2.1. Research Personnel

      ICRMS recognizes the importance of research support personnel in ensuring quality data collection and analysis. Funds may therefore be allocated for:

      • Principal Investigator (PI)
      • Research assistants
      • Enumerators or data collectors
      • Data entry operators
      • Short-term technical or analytical support

      ICRMS recommends allocating 30–40% of the total budget to research personnel.

      Payments must be supported by attendance records, payment receipts, and documentation of work completed.

      Salaries of permanent faculty members or institutional staff are not eligible under this grant.

      2.2. Fieldwork and Local Travel

      ICRMS supports field-based research activities that contribute to evidence generation. Applicants may therefore include costs related to:

      • Field visits
      • Community surveys
      • Key informant interviews
      • Focus group discussions
      • Transportation for research teams

      ICRMS recommends allocating 15–30% of the total budget to fieldwork and local travel.

      Eligible expenses may include:

      • Local transportation or fuel costs
      • Public transport fares
      • Local accommodation where necessary for fieldwork

      2.3. Research Materials and Supplies

      Applicants may include consumable materials necessary for conducting the research. These may include:

      • Printing of questionnaires and survey instruments
      • Stationery and documentation materials
      • Consent forms and field documentation
      • Data collection materials

      ICRMS recommends allocating 10–20% of the total budget to this category.

      2.4. Equipment (Limited and Justified)

      ICRMS allows the purchase of essential equipment only when it is directly required for research implementation.

      Examples may include:

      • Digital audio recorders for interviews
      • External storage devices
      • Tablets for field data collection

      Equipment costs should not exceed 15% of the total budget and must be clearly justified.

      ICRMS does not support the purchase of:

      • Laptops
      • Office furniture
      • General institutional equipment
      • Non-essential devices

      Unless otherwise approved, equipment purchased under the grant will remain the property of ICRMS or the host institution for research purposes.

      2.5. Literature, Documentation, and Communication

      ICRMS recognizes the need for access to research literature and documentation. Applicants may include costs related to:

      • Academic literature or journal access
      • Research software subscriptions
      • Communication and coordination costs
      • Editing, formatting, and printing of research reports

      2.6. Miscellaneous / Contingency

      Applicants may allocate a small contingency amount to cover unforeseen research-related expenses.

      ICRMS allows up to 5% of the total budget for contingency.

      All contingency expenditures must be fully justified during financial reporting.

1. 1. Ineligible Costs

      ICRMS does not fund the following types of expenses:

      • Institutional overheads exceeding 10%
      • Salaries of permanent staff or faculty members
      • Purchase of vehicles
      • Construction or renovation costs
      • International travel
      • Conference participation fees
      • Entertainment or hospitality expenses
      • Unjustified equipment purchases

1. 1. Budget Justification

      ICRMS requires applicants to provide clear justifications for all proposed expenditures. Each budget item should demonstrate how the cost contributes directly to the implementation of the research methodology.

      Budgets that lack adequate justification may receive lower evaluation scores during the review process.

1. 1. Financial Compliance and Documentation

      All grant recipients are required to maintain accurate financial records for expenditures made under the grant.

      ICRMS requires the following documentation:

      • Receipts and invoices
      • Payment vouchers
      • Attendance sheets for research personnel
      • Procurement documentation
      • Field travel records

      ICRMS reserves the right to review, verify, or audit financial records at any stage of the project.

1. 1. Grant Disbursement

      ICRMS normally disburses research grants in installments linked to project progress.

      A typical disbursement schedule may include:

      Stage	Percentage
      Project initiation	40%
      Midterm progress report	40%
      Final report submission	20%

      Subsequent installments are released subject to satisfactory progress and financial reporting.

1. 1. Budget Revisions

      If necessary, grant recipients may request minor adjustments to the approved budget.

      Reallocations up to 10% between budget categories may be considered, subject to prior written approval from ICRMS.

1. 1. Financial Reporting

      Grant recipients must submit the following reports to ICRMS:

      • Midterm financial report
      • Final financial report
      • Supporting receipts and documentation

      Failure to comply with financial reporting requirements may result in suspension of payments, recovery of funds, or ineligibility for future ICRMS grants.

1. Value for Money

   ICRMS expects all funded research projects to demonstrate responsible and efficient use of resources.

   Applicants should ensure that:

   • Costs reflect reasonable market rates
   • Budget allocations are aligned with research activities
   • Procurement practices remain transparent and accountable

April 09, 2026