Research Initiative on Development, Governance, and Economy (RIDGE)

Research Initiative on Development, Governance and Economy (RIDGE)

📢 Round 1 of the RIDGE Grant is complete! Look out for Round 2!

Follow our website, social media, and the Envisioneers group for the next call for applications.

About RIDGE

The Research Initiative on Development, Governance and Economy (RIDGE) invites young researchers in Bangladesh to participate in an exciting new opportunity to generate policy-relevant insights and build the skills required to produce high-quality research that informs the design of policies aimed at improving the lives of Bangladeshi citizens.

RIDGE is a unique collaboration between four prominent local think tanks: BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD), Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID), and Policy Research Institute (PRI). Funded by UK International Development from the UK government, RIDGE aims to nurture the next generation of social science researchers in Bangladesh through funding, mentorship, and training.

Focus on Secondary Data and Policy Impact

RIDGE particularly emphasises projects that explore new and innovative uses of secondary data, including novel sources such as administrative data from government agencies or private institutions. This focus enables young researchers to build their capacity to handle complex datasets, apply cutting-edge methodologies, and address critical policy questions.

We believe young researchers bring fresh perspectives, energy, and a willingness to experiment—qualities essential for working with novel secondary data.

Your research must focus on policy-relevant issues within Bangladesh. We welcome proposals in areas such as:

• Labour Markets and Employment
• Monetary Policy, Finance, and Banking
• Fiscal Policy and Public Finance
• International Trade and Development
• Economic Growth and Productivity
• Poverty and Inequality
• Energy, Environmental Economics, and Climate Change
• Technology and Digital Economy
• Health Economics and Human Capital
• Gender, Care Work, and Education
• Governance and Institutions
• Agricultural Productivity, Food Security, and Nutrition

Eligibility at a Glance

All researchers must be Bangladeshi nationals aged 35 or below, currently residing in Bangladesh, and remain in the country until the assignment is completed. Eligible candidates include current students (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD), graduates, and those employed by higher education or research institutions in Bangladesh. Independent researchers may also apply, though preference is given to those with institutional affiliations.

For more details on eligibility, please refer to the ‘Guidelines for Applicants’ document provided at the end of this page.

Application process 

The RIDGE grant application involves three stages:

1. Initial Screening: Applicants are required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) outlining their proposed research idea.
2. Proposal Development Stage: Shortlisted applicants will be paired with an expert mentor to refine their research idea and develop a full proposal. Participants will also attend workshops to strengthen their proposals.
3. Final Selection: Completed proposals will be evaluated by external reviewers and through a presentation to the Executive Directors of the consortium partners. Up to five proposals will be selected for funding.

For more details on the application process, please refer to the ‘Guidelines for Applicants’ document provided at the end of this page.

Comprehensive Support for Awardees

Successful applicants will benefit from:

• Funding: Up to BDT 12,50,000 (inclusive of VAT and tax) to support their research project.
• Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from experienced mentors during the proposal development phase and throughout the course of the research.
• Workshops: Access to curated training sessions on proposal development, research methodology, and academic writing.

Introducing Our Mentors

Round 1 Winners

Md. Fahim Shahriar & Team

Project Title: Urban-Rural Inequalities in Reproductive, Maternal, and Newborn Health (RMNH) Service Utilization in Bangladesh: Evidence from BDHS 2022

Md Mahbub Ul Hassan Sharan & Team

Project Title: Climate Shocks and Internal Migration in Bangladesh: Causal Evidence and Origin–Destination Mapping for Proactive Policy

Mahmudul Hasan & Team

Project title: Climate Smart Agriculture: Using Machine Learning and Remote Sensing to Predict Rice Yields in Bangladesh

Ramisa Maliha – Independent Researcher

Project Title: From Drought to Demand: A Predictive Model for District-Level Irrigation Electricity Consumption in Bangladesh to Enhance Rural Grid Resilience

Elahi Rawshan & Team

Project Title: Greening Secondary Textbooks in Bangladesh: A Framework-based Assessment of Climate Learning, Pedagogical Balance, and Remote Readiness (Grades 6–10)

Sharfan Upaul & Team

Samin Yasar Anabil & Team – Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh

Project Title: Climate Shocks and Financial Exclusion in Bangladesh: An Empirical Analysis of Novel Data Set

Syed Rafsan Ali

Project Title: Impact of Rural Economic Growth and Climate Shock on Extensive and Intensive Margins of Child Labour in Bangladesh

Ready to Apply?

We invite aspiring young researchers to take this opportunity to drive meaningful change through evidence-based policymaking. If you have a compelling research idea grounded in policy relevance and are eager to work with secondary data, we strongly encourage you to keep your eye out for the second round of EOI applications.

Need Help?

If you have any questions or need support, feel free to email us at: ridge.rfp@bracu.ac.bd.