Through this new COVID-19 rapid response funding call, we invite proposals for research that can generate evidence to improve understanding of the effects of the pandemic on behaviours, systems and structures associated with modern slavery.

This includes both the effects of the pandemic and the responses to it by governments, businesses and organisations, which can affect people’s vulnerability to exploitation, and the systems underpinning exploitative practices. The projects must be hosted by an eligible institution in the UK, but may look globally in their scope and impact.

Research proposals submitted can aim to address both the effects of and responses to the pandemic, and should have an appropriate balance between identifying problems and proposing actions to address or mitigate those problems.

The funding call will operate on a rolling basis in order to respond effectively to the evolving nature of the pandemic.

This COVID-19 rapid response funding call does not operate under fixed deadlines. You may submit a proposal at any point during the year. Please note that the assessment process for applications submitted to this call takes approximately 12 weeks and the earliest start date for a project should be no earlier than 3 months after submission to the AHRC.

Find out more here.