Call For Research Proposal - EMERGING SCHOLARS RESEARCH AWARD (ESRA) 2025
The International Center for Refugees and Migration Studies (ICRMS), founded in 2017 with the support of UNHCR, stands as a beacon of commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by displaced populations. Nestled within the esteemed BUITEMS, a premier academic institution in Balochistan, ICRMS is a dedicated research and policy institute. Our establishment was made possible through a strategic collaboration with UNHCR, with a shared goal of leveraging each other’s strengths to build a comprehensive resource base for knowledge and expertise on migration and displacement issues.
In its relatively short history, ICRMS has emerged as a dynamic force, undertaking endeavors aimed at reshaping the discourse on migration. The Center engages in a multitude of activities, focusing on building the capacity of the Afghan refugee population through research initiatives, public lectures, and awareness campaigns. This collaborative effort seeks to address critical challenges faced by refugees in Pakistan, encompassing identity crises, limited educational opportunities, social intolerance, and the imperative need for capacity building.
ICRMS envisions a world where the rights and well-being of refugees and migrants are safeguarded, aligning closely with the principles and priorities outlined by UNHCR. Our mission is rooted in generating interdisciplinary, collaborative, and policy-relevant research on human mobility. This research spans the local, regional, and global levels, aiming to understand how social, political, and economic landscapes shape and reshape patterns of human migration.
ICRMS INITIATIVES
At the heart of ICRMS’s objectives is the commitment to produce actionable research that revisits and reshapes policies. By doing so, we empower policy practitioners to make well-informed decisions, fostering inclusive policies that bridge gaps between host and refugee communities. Advocacy and capacity-building initiatives are integral components of our work, enhancing the resilience of refugee communities and promoting social cohesion.
In essence, ICRMS serves as a repository of information on refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Through our activities, including research, public talks, advocacy, and capacity building, we contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by displaced populations, facilitating informed and compassionate responses.
ANNUAL RESEARCH AWARDS 2025
As part of our ongoing commitment, ICRMS is pleased to announce a Call for Proposals for the year 2025 in two award categories: Emerging Scholars Research Awards (ESRA) and Frontier Scholars Research Awards (FSRA) inviting scholars and researchers to contribute to our shared vision of a world where the rights and dignity of every individual, regardless of their migration status, are upheld and protected through production of primary research and policy recommendations.
GRANT DESCRIPTION AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
ESRA is designed for master’s students and fresh graduates. The eligibility criteria include a minimum GPA of 3.5 for enrolled students. ESRA aims to support innovative and impactful research proposals from emerging scholars. Selected ESRA candidates will receive a grant of 0.2 million. Once the grants are allocated, each awardee’s research will be evaluated and supervised individually by an assigned research supervisor.
RESEARCH THEMES AND AREAS
- Between Precarity and Resistance: The Biopolitics of Afghan Refugees in Balochistan’s Urban and Rural Spaces
- Gendered Displacement: The Enduring Impact of Conflict and Migration on Afghan Women in Pakistan
PUBLICATION
ESRA projects are expected to result in a paper published in the International Journal of Refugee, Minority, and Gender Studies, which is affiliated with ICRMS.
COPYRIGHT
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.
PHASES OF RESEARCH AND DELIVERABLES
Phase 1: Preparatory Phase
Tasks and Expected Deliverables:
- Signing of Contract with ICRMS
- Submission of Updated CV and a 100-word Biography
- Attested Copies of Academic Documents and Bank Account Details
- Preparation of Short Research Project Description (One Pager)
- Successful Presentation of Proposal in Defense
Phase 2: Proposal Refinement and Approval
Tasks and Expected Deliverables:
- 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 3: Research Execution
Tasks and Expected Deliverables:
- Submission of 1st Progress Report for Release of First Tranche of Funding
- Submission of 2nd Progress Report and Field Data
- Development of 1st Draft of the Paper
Phase 4: Paper Refinement and Finalization
Tasks and Expected Deliverables:
- Presentation of the First Draft in a Defense
- Revision of Final Draft Incorporating Evaluators’ Feedback
- Submission of Paper following ICRMS Journal Guidelines
- Successful Presentation of the First Draft in Defense
- Revised Final Draft of the Paper
Phase 5: Reporting and Documentation
Tasks and Expected Deliverables:
- Development of Final Research Report
- Creation of 2-5 Minute Video Documentary of the Research Project
- Preparation of Research Budget Utilization Report
- Submission of Final Research Report in Hard Form for Release of Second Tranche of Funding
- Final Research Report
- 2-5 Minute Video Documentary
- Research Budget Utilization Report
- Submission of Final Research Report in Hard Form
Phase 6: Publication
Tasks:
- Review and Approval of Paper for Publication
- Publication of Paper in the International Journal of Refugee, Minority, and Gender Studies
SELECTION PROCESS
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- UNHCR Screening: The initial shortlisted proposals are sent to UNHCR for further screening and those aligned with UNHCR’s mandate are nominated for selection.
- Final Selection: The expert review panel based on ICRMS, UNHCR, and Academic Evaluators evaluates and select from the submitted proposals based on criteria such as relevance to thematic areas, clarity of objectives, feasibility, methodological rigor, innovation, and potential impact.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
17th March 2025
ESSANTIAL DOCUMENTS
Emerging Scholars Research Award (ESRA) Guide
Proposal Format
Guidelines
APA Format
Template
Worksheet
Template