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Call for Research 2026

Call for Resear...

Call for research  and innovation 2026

The ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI) is thrilled to announce the Call for Research and Innovation 2026! This is a unique opportunity for passionate researchers, innovators, and organisations across the ASEAN Member States to contribute to a healthier, more inclusive, and productive future for older persons in the region. The Call for Research and Innovation aims to foster actionable knowledge, scalable innovations, and collaborative research that directly address emerging ageing challenges across ASEAN.

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See 2025 Grantees

Timeline

Proposal Submission

30 June 2025 - 15 August 2025

Notification of Accepted Proposals

1 September 2025 - 30 September 2025

Project Implementation Period

1 October 2025 - 31 October 2025

Proposal Submission

30 June 2025 - 15 August 2025

Notification of Accepted Proposals

1 September 2025 - 30 September 2025

View Selected

Project Implementation Period

1 October 2025 - 31 October 2025

Who Can Apply

Principal Investigators (PIs) or lead applicants must be based in one of the ASEAN Member States (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam). Eligible entities include:

Academic and research institutions

Government agencies and public policy institutions

NGOs, civil society, and community-based organizations

Private sector innovators or social enterprises

Individual researchers and practitioners with demonstrated expertise

Collaborative and cross-country proposals (ASEAN or non-ASEAN countries) are highly encouraged!

Overview
& Purpose

Overview & Purpose

Why Participate?

This call is designed to

Research & Innovation

Support interdisciplinary research and innovations focused on ageing in ASEAN.

Policy Evidence

Provide evidence to inform policy, service delivery, and community action.

Regional Collaboration

Foster regional collaboration and capacity-building among stakeholders.

Inclusive Approaches

Promote rights-based, gender-sensitive, and culturally respectful approaches to ageing.

Scope of the Call

We encourage proposals that align with ACAI’s Five-Year Strategic Plan and contribute to one or more of the following critical areas

Active and healthy ageing

Financing, demographics, and ageing-related data

Age-friendly environment, climate adaptation, and community development

Long-term care and integrated care for older persons (ICOPE)

Age-related policy, advocacy, and legal rights

Innovation and Technologies

Social Protection for older persons

Social engagement, community participation, and intergenerational programs

Rights-based approaches and gender-sensitive policies

Regional engagement and cross-country collaboration

Financial innovation, business models, and employment for older persons

Both research and innovation-based proposals are strongly encouraged, ranging from small pilots to scalable solutions addressing the diverse needs of older persons in ASEAN Member States.

Funding & Support

Selected proposals may receive:

Small Grants: Up to $50,000

for pilot or exploratory projects (1-year duration).

Scale-up Grants: Up to $150,000

for regional or multi-country implementation (maximum 3-year duration).

Non-Financial Support

This includes invaluable technical guidance, access to vital ASEAN networks, and policy advocacy platforms.

Grant sizes will be determined based on the project scope, quality, and potential impact.

Call for research and innovation 2026

Call for research and innovation 2026

Call for research  and innovation 2026

Call for research  and innovation 2026