The Peace and Recovery Initiative (PRI) is one of the world’s most influential research grants that support projects to strengthen resilience and peace in conflict-affected regions. It is funded by UK International Development and administered by Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA). This initiative aims to help researchers, policymakers, and institutions create practical solutions to combat conflict as well as promote social healing and economic recovery. This is healing and economic recovery.
In the midst of political instability, insecurity, and human rights challenges continue to plague Africa and beyond, including Nigeria. The grant program offers local researchers, NGOs, and universities the opportunity to participate in international peacebuilding efforts. This grant provides assistance in the form of financial and technical aid for research studies that help shape the policy agenda and improve the understanding of what communities need to do to heal from terrorism, violence, or natural catastrophes.
What Is the Peace and Recovery Initiative (PRI)?
The PRI was established to finance groundbreaking research and field studies that strengthen policies and programs aimed at addressing political, social, and human rights crises . Thecrises. Its goal is to increase the evidence base on the prevention of violence, build societies, and ensure long-term peace.
The program helps with actions such as:
- Impact evaluations
- Pilot programs
- Exploratory studies
- Evidence dissemination
- Policy engagement
The projects can focus on issues like fragility and crises. the fragility of the state, as well as the threat of terrorism and organised crime. the fragilityOrganised crime,collective action, or post-conflict Reintegration. organised crime,reintegration. PRI especially welcomes research that explores reintegration. exploresnew concepts of peacebuilding or employ exploresemploysexperimental techniques or study cemploysstudiesontexts that have not been studied in the developing regions.
PRI offers Nigerian researchers, academic scientists, and policy analysis experts a vital opportunity to connect their research conducted in the country with international aid aimed at promoting peace and development.
Funding and Coverage
PRI offers five funding categories to accommodate various stages of research and policy application:
| Grant Type | Maximum Amount (USD) | Purpose / Description |
|---|---|---|
| Exploratory Grants | Up to $10,000 | Develop early-stage research ideas and partnerships |
| Pilot Studies | Up to $75,000 | Test program feasibility or develop measurement tools |
| Full Studies | Up to $500,000 | Conduct large-scale randomized or quasi-experimental impact evaluations |
| Infrastructure & Public Goods | Up to $250,000 | Support creation of datasets, research tools, or frameworks |
| Evidence Use & Policy Outreach | Up to $25,000 | Fund dissemination, policy dialogues, and researcher placements in institutions |
Each proposal is evaluated based on academic contribution, policy relevance, technical design, project viability, and value for money.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for financial assistance through the Peace and Recovery Initiative, applicants must:
- Include at least one researcher who is affiliated with a reputable university and the Initiative.
- Show the skills and experience gained with field studies and impact assessment.
- Provide the study as a scientifically solid and ethically endorsed study design that has been ethically and legally approved.
- Create alliances to establish partnerships with local and international policy organizations.withorganisations.
- Ensure the safety of participants, promote gender equality, and protect data security during the research process.
PRI strongly encourages applications from researchers who are based in Africa or with personal experience of the region’s recovery and conflict situations. Diverse research teams are important as well.
How to Apply
The applicants who are interested are required to be sure to follow this two-step process of applying:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) outlining your research question, methodology, and relevance to PRI themes.
- Deadline: November 14, 2025.
- Deadline: November 14, 2025.
- Prepare a Full Proposal if shortlisted. Include a detailed budget, methodology, partnership framework, and ethical clearance.
- Deadline: January 16, 2026.
- Await Results: Successful projects will be announced in March 2026, followed by contractual and disbursement procedures.
Applications are submitted via the Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) research portal. Nigerian applicants are advised to collaborate with registered institutions or international research partners for greater competitiveness.
Key Areas of Focus
The current funding call from PRI stresses:
- Transformation and prevention of conflict
- Peacebuilding for communities and cohesion in the social sphere
- Reintegration of ex-combatants
- Behaviourally recognised organisationsBehaviourinterventions to prevent violence
- Technology is utilised to promote peace, recovery, and rehabilitation.
- Economic and psychological factors impacting peace
These themes support Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to promote national unity, youth empowerment, and recovery in regions affected by conflicts such as the Middle Belt and Northeast.
Application Timelines
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Expression of Interest (EOI) Deadline | November 14, 2025 |
| Full Proposal Submission | January 16, 2026 |
| Results Announcement | March 2026 |
Ethical and Evaluation Standards
The initiative places importance on ethical research procedures that require the approval of a proper review board and respect for guidelines on data protection. Proposals should demonstrate security for participants and personnel,, particularly in vulnerable or conflict-affected settings.
In addition, projects must show potential for scale as well as sustainability and influence and ensure that the research results in real-world changes.
Benefits for Nigerian Researchers and Institutions
Participation in the PRI program provides:
- Access to the world’s largest funds for research and technical guidance.
- Opportunities to work with international universities and think tanks.
- Improved exposure and publishing possibilities within the development policy networks.
- You can receive support for innovative rehabilitation and peace interventions specifically designed for Nigerian circumstances.
Regardless of whether you are an NGO, a university, or a policy centre, this initiative could enhance your contribution to sustainable peacebuilding and community rehabilitation in Nigeria and beyond.
Summary Table
| Program Name | Peace and Recovery Initiative (PRI) |
|---|---|
| Funding Source | UK International Development |
| Administered By | Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) |
| Grant Range | $10,000 – $500,000 |
| Eligible Applicants | Universities, Researchers, NGOs |
| Focus Areas | Peacebuilding, Recovery, Conflict Prevention |
| Expression of Interest Deadline | November 14, 2025 |
| Full Proposal Deadline | January 16, 2026 |
| Result Announcement | March 2026 |
| Regions Targeted | Global (including Africa & Nigeria) |
Conclusion
The Peace and Recovery Initiative (PRI) provides Nigerian researchers and institutions with a unique opportunity to secure global funding for peace-related research and other interventions. By encouraging collaboration and innovation, the grant helps to create an inclusive and resilient as well as peaceful Africa.
The applicants are encouraged to submit carefully structured and well-organised proposals, prioritise ethical standards, and demonstrate the impact that they can measure. As the deadline for 2025 approaches, it is now the right time to encourage Nigerian universities, researchers in development, and policy advocates to get involved.