RFAs: Hinrich Foundation Trade Research Grant Program

Deadline: 31-Oct-2026

The Hinrich Foundation is accepting applications from researchers and research organizations for projects that advance understanding of global trade issues and contribute to policy development. The funding supports rigorous research across a broad range of international trade topics, including trade governance, geopolitics, foreign direct investment, digital trade, supply chains, technology, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Researchers and research organizations from all countries are eligible to apply. Funding is negotiable and may provide full or partial financial support for successful proposals. The Foundation typically pays funding when the research project is completed and reserves the right to publish supported research products at its discretion. What Is the Hinrich Foundation? The Hinrich Foundation is an independent Asia-based philanthropic organization focused on advancing mutually beneficial and sustainable global trade through research and policy engagement. Through its international trade research program, the Foundation supports rigorous research designed to deepen understanding of important global trade issues and inform policy development. The program provides an opportunity for researchers and research organizations to develop research projects that can contribute to discussions surrounding international trade policy and practice. What Does the International Trade Research Program Support? The international trade research program supports research that addresses important and emerging issues affecting global trade.

The program seeks research that can:

- Improve understanding of global trade issues. - Examine developments affecting international trade. - Generate rigorous evidence and analysis. - Explore challenges and opportunities in trade. - Contribute to policy discussions. - Support informed policy development. Researchers should clearly demonstrate how their proposed work contributes to understanding trade-related challenges and policy questions. Priority Research Areas The Hinrich Foundation identifies several priority areas for research. Trade Governance Research may examine how international trade is governed and how trade rules, institutions, and governance structures influence global commerce. Geopolitics of Trade Projects can explore the relationship between geopolitical developments and international trade. Research may examine how geopolitical relationships, tensions, and strategic interests affect trade policies and global economic relationships. Foreign Direct Investment Foreign direct investment is another priority area. Research can examine issues surrounding international investment and its relationship with trade, economic development, and policy. Global Supply Chain Resilience and Security The program supports research into the resilience and security of global supply chains. Projects may investigate vulnerabilities, disruptions, risks, and strategies for strengthening supply chain resilience. Digital Trade Digital trade is a priority research area within the program. Researchers can examine developments, challenges, policies, and opportunities associated with digital commerce and cross-border digital activity. Innovation and Technology Research projects can explore the role of innovation and technology in international trade. This may include examining how technological developments affect trade patterns, competitiveness, policy, or global economic relationships. Trade and Environmental Sustainability The Foundation also supports research connecting international trade with environmental sustainability. Projects may examine how trade policies and practices interact with environmental objectives and sustainable development. Trade Workforce and Education Research can focus on the workforce and education dimensions of international trade. This may include issues related to skills, employment, education, and workforce preparedness in changing trade environments. Industrial Competitiveness and Economic Development The program supports research examining industrial competitiveness and economic development. Researchers may investigate how trade affects industries, economic growth, competitiveness, and development outcomes. Natural Resources in Trade Natural resources in trade are another identified research priority. Projects may examine the role of natural resources in international trade and related economic or policy issues. Trade Logistics and Services The program also welcomes research on trade logistics and services. Research can explore the systems, services, and processes that facilitate international trade and cross-border economic activity. Who Can Apply? Researchers and research organizations from all countries are eligible to apply. This makes the opportunity internationally accessible to researchers working on relevant global trade questions. Applicants should demonstrate the expertise and research capacity necessary to undertake the proposed project. What Should a Research Proposal Include? Proposals should provide sufficient information for the Foundation to understand the researcher’s qualifications, research questions, methodology, and expected outputs.

A proposal should include:

- Credentials of the researcher or researchers. - A synopsis of the proposed research. - Major trade-related themes addressed by the research. - Key research questions. - Proposed research methodology. - Deliverable format. - Timetable for completion. Researcher Credentials Applicants should provide information about the credentials of the researcher or research team. This section should demonstrate relevant expertise, research experience, academic or professional background, and knowledge of the proposed subject. The credentials should establish why the researcher or team is well positioned to conduct the proposed research. Research Synopsis The proposal should include a clear synopsis of the research project. The syno