Frequently asked questions

Call launch

1. When is the APN Call(s) for Proposals launched?

APN typically launches its Calls for Proposals in November each year, subject to funding availability. These include:

The Call for Proposals under the Collaborative Regional Research Programme (CRRP).
The Call for Proposals under the Scientific Capacity Development Programme (CAPaBLE).

APN may also announce special calls for focused activities. Please refer to the Opportunities section for more information.

Eligibility criteria

2. Who is eligible to submit proposals to APN for funding?

Researchers, academics and other eligible proponents affiliated with nonprofit institutions based in APN member and approved countries may submit proposals to APN, subject to the eligibility criteria below.

Eligible proponents

Researchers and academics from universities, colleges and other academic institutions based in APN member and approved countries.
Researchers and practitioners affiliated with nonprofit or government institutions, including independent museums, observatories, research laboratories and professional societies, as well as similar organisations involved in research, education, policy analysis related to global change or sustainable development activities.
Project leaders who have successfully completed, or are due to complete, an APN project before the summary proposal deadline. Their project reporting must be completed in full by the full proposal deadline. Eligibility is also subject to the quality and impact of their previous APN project outcomes.

The following proponents are not eligible to apply

Project leaders of ongoing APN projects.
Project collaborators involved in two or more ongoing APN projects.
Independent researchers, consultants and employees in the private sector.
Former project leaders who have received cumulative APN funding of USD 135,000 or more within the past five years.

One-country proposals: One-country Summary Proposals are accepted only from developing countries and only under the Capacity Development Programme (CAPaBLE). APN does not fund one-country research activities under the Collaborative Regional Research Programme (CRRP).

3. Which countries in the Asia-Pacific Region are member or approved Countries?

Member countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United States of America and Viet Nam.

Approved countries: Maldives, Myanmar, Pacific Island countries and Singapore.

Those countries underlined above are classified as developed countries.

4. What are the eligibility requirements for an “early career professional”?

Early career professionals must be 40 years of age or under, and meet at least one of the following criteria:

Hold a university degree and have at least five years of relevant work experience;
Be a postgraduate student pursuing a Master’s degree or PhD;
Hold a Master’s degree and have at least two years of relevant work experience;
Hold a PhD; or,
Be a postdoctoral researcher.

Early career professionals are strongly encouraged to submit a proposal under the Call for Proposals.

5. Can members of developed countries submit proposals?

Yes. Researchers from developed APN member countries may submit proposals under both the CRRP and CAPaBLE programmes, provided that the proposed activities are exclusively targeted at APN’s developing member and approved countries.

The following programme-specific requirements apply:

CAPaBLE: Proponents from developed countries must demonstrate that the proposed capacity development activities are exclusively targeted at one or more developing APN member or approved countries in the Asia-Pacific region. APN funding cannot be used for capacity development activities targeting developed countries.
CRRP: Proponents from developed countries may submit research proposals, provided that at least two developing APN member or approved countries participate as collaborators. The proposed research must exclusively target APN’s developing member and approved countries.

6. Can collaborators from approved countries/non-APN member countries receive funding?

Funding eligibility depends on the country of affiliation and the collaborator’s role in the project.

Approved countries (Singapore, Maldives, Myanmar and Pacific Island Countries):

Developed country collaborators from Singapore are eligible to receive funding based on specific conditions that may be discussed with the Secretariat.
Developing country collaborators from the Maldives, Myanmar and Pacific Island Countries can receive APN funding.
Project leaders from all approved countries are eligible to receive APN funding.

Other countries: Collaborators from countries that are neither APN members nor approved countries are not eligible to receive APN funding. Their participation must be supported through other sources, such as direct financial or in-kind contributions. For further information, please refer to the list of APN member countries.

Scope of activities

7. What activities can I propose under the CRRP Call for Proposals?

Proposals under the Collaborative Regional Research Programme (CRRP) may address any of the following areas:

Codesigned collaborative research on global change and sustainability that addresses gaps, analysis, synthesis and assessment work.
Codesigned collaborative research that contributes to the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the UN Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030), and the accumulation of scientific knowledge at IPCC, IPBES, etc. and ongoing and new global change and sustainability research programmes.
Codesigned collaborative research that develops pathways and mechanisms to achieve sustainable development, and develop adaptation strategies.
Codesigned collaborative place-based integrative research, particularly from developing countries.

8. What activities can I propose under the CAPaBLE Call for Proposals

Proposals under the Scientific Capacity Development Programme (CAPaBLE) may address any of the following areas:

Codesigned scientific capacity development activities that promote the following approaches related to one or more of the thematic areas of APN: (a) Utilising and strengthening existing capacity, (b) Creating opportunities to use/instil capacity, and (c) Developing new capacity through innovative approaches.
Codesigned science policy interfacing in the context of the priority topics.
Codesigned scientific capacity development partnership activities that contribute to the capacity development components of the evolving global change arena, including the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the UN Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030), and the accumulation of scientific knowledge at IPCC, IPBES, etc. and ongoing and new global change and sustainability research programmes.
Codesigned awareness-raising and dissemination activities through policy- and decision making communities, civil society, and/or the general public.
Codesigned activities centred towards using science communication to disseminate knowledge generated from projects, particularly to non-science audiences.

Research components in a CAPaBLE programme proposal submission are permissible, with the caveat that they support the proposal’s capacity development objectives and do not exceed 20% of the total project methodology, duration and budget. CAPaBLE proposals that do not meet these requirements will not pass the basic eligibility screening at the Call for Proposals submission review.

9. I am not sure whether to submit a proposal under CRRP or CAPaBLE, how can APN assist me?

Please refer to the guidance provided in FAQs 7, 8, and 12. For further assistance, please submit your questions to [email protected]. The APN Secretariat will endeavour to respond within six weeks.

Proposal development

10. How much funding is available for individual projects?

APN provides an annual budget limit of USD 45,000 for projects under the Collaborative Regional Research Programme (CRRP) and USD 40,000 for projects under the Scientific Capacity Development Programme (CAPaBLE).

11. What is the duration of projects?

Projects under the Collaborative Regional Research Programme (CRRP) typically run for two years, with a maximum duration of three years. However, three-year CRRP projects are rarely funded due to financial constraints.

Projects under the Scientific Capacity Development Programme (CAPaBLE) typically run for one year, with a maximum duration of two years.

12. Does APN have any priority areas for funding for this year?

In its Sixth Strategic Phase (2026–2030) and moving forward, APN funds codesigned projects with researchers and stakeholders that are holistic, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary in nature, that are policy relevant, and that have actionable outputs in addressing regional issues. As such, high priority topics reflecting subregional thematic issues are established by member countries in each of APN’s subregions and are used to guide the selection of Proposals for annual funding. Proposal submissions that do not address the priority topics in the corresponding subregion will not be accepted in the Call for Proposals.

Please refer to the selected subregional priority topics for the year’s Call for Proposals on the announcement page.

More broadly, APN strives to address global change and sustainability in a holistic approach that involves the active participation of all member countries across a broad spectrum of challenges in the following areas, under which proposals should fall:

13. How can I find suitable collaborators for my project?

APN recommends conducting a comprehensive literature review prior to submitting a proposal. Reviewing past and ongoing projects on the APN website may also help applicants identify suitable collaborators in the region.

Collaborators must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Collaborators may participate in no more than two ongoing APN projects in any given fiscal year.
Collaborators must be affiliated with an institution based in an APN member or approved country.
Individuals from countries that are neither APN members nor approved countries may participate as resource persons or experts. However, they are not eligible to receive APN funding for their participation, even if project activities take place in an APN member or approved country.
Collaborators must be affiliated with an institution. Independent researchers are not eligible to participate in APN project activities.

Undergraduate and postgraduate students are not eligible to serve as collaborators. However, their participation in project activities is strongly encouraged through appropriate part-time positions, such as research assistants. An exception may be considered if the collaborators have at least five years of relevant work experience prior to pursuing their postgraduate studies.

14. How can I ensure that I am not duplicating research efforts?

APN recommends conducting a comprehensive literature review before submitting a proposal. Applicants are encouraged to consult the APN Publications Library and review past and ongoing APN projects to identify existing research and avoid duplication of efforts.

15. Is the use of artificial intelligence (AI)- assisted tools permitted in proposal development?

Applicants may use artificial intelligence (AI)- assisted tools in preparing their proposals for limited editorial purposes, including: improving grammar, spelling and readability; refining language and clarity; supporting the organisation and structure of the proposal; summarising or reformatting text prepared by the applicant; or conducting editorial reviews for consistency and presentation.

The use of AI must not replace the applicant’s professional judgement, expertise or intellectual contribution. The applicant and project team must retain full responsibility for all aspects of the proposal, including the concept, objectives, methodology, work plan, budget, analysis, references and conclusions. Applicants should also ensure that confidential, sensitive, personal or proprietary information is not entered into publicly accessible AI tools.

Codesign and cofunding

16. What does it mean to “codesign” a project proposal?

Codesign is a participatory process in which relevant stakeholders are meaningfully involved from the outset in shaping a project proposal. Stakeholders may include researchers, policymakers, government agencies, practitioners, civil society organisations, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, the private sector and other relevant groups, depending on the nature of the project.

Mandatory eligibility screening

As of the Sixth Strategic Phase, codesign involving all relevant stakeholders is mandatory. Proponents must demonstrate meaningful stakeholder engagement at both stages:

Stage 1, Summary Proposal: Proponents must confirm their commitment to codesign by selecting the relevant checkboxes in the APN Information System (APNIS) submission and identifying the stakeholders engaged by name. These stakeholders should have contributed meaningfully to shaping the proposal, as appropriate to the project, rather than being included solely as recipients of project findings or engaged only after the proposal has been developed.
Stage 2, Full Proposal (by invitation only): Proponents must submit signed letters from relevant collaborators and stakeholder partners confirming their commitment to the project and involvement in codesign. The letters must describe their engagement from the outset, identify the components or activities they helped codesign and will coimplement, and, where appropriate, outline their role in the uptake, application or dissemination of project outcomes.

These letters form part of the mandatory full proposal documentation. Proposals that do not provide sufficient evidence of meaningful stakeholder engagement and codesign may be deemed incomplete or may not proceed further in the review process.

17. Is it necessary that proposals submitted for APN funding have cofunding from other sources?

Cofunding is strongly desired and will strengthen your proposal; however, it is not compulsory. In-kind contributions are expected.

Budget guidelines

18. Can I submit a proposal to cover my PhD studentship?

No. Currently, APN does not have a mechanism to fund PhD studentships or any other undergraduate or postgraduate scholarships.

19. Can I submit a proposal for travel support to a workshop?

APN does not currently provide travel support to individuals applying independently. However, workshop organisers may submit project proposals that include travel support, provided that the workshop objectives align with APN’s goals and objectives and the following eligibility criteria are met:

The project proponent must be working in an institution in the Asia-Pacific region and/or hold a key position in an international APN-recognised Global Change Research Programme;
The target workshop participants must be early career professionals based in the Asia-Pacific region and working at an institution based in an APN member or approved country.

Trainees or event participants from developed countries may receive funding, depending on the proposed activity and their eligibility as early career professionals. However, experts from developed countries are generally not eligible to receive APN funding under the Scientific Capacity Development Programme (CAPaBLE), although they may participate in APN activities on a self-funded basis.

For the classification of APN member countries as developed or developing, please refer to FAQ #3.

20. Can I charge overhead costs in my proposal budget?

No. APN does not allow administrative overhead costs to be included in proposal and project budgets. APN grant funding also excludes any taxes or statutory charges arising from the receipt or administration of the grant.

21. Is APN able to provide salary support for project implementation?

APN may provide partial salary support for time spent implementing a project, provided that the individual is not already receiving a full-time salary. For further information, please refer to Section II of the APN Financial Regulations, available in the supplementary documentation for each programme on APNIS.

22. Does APN allow for consultants or consultant firms to be engaged in the project, at APN’s expense?

APN does not cover consultancy fees or salary payments. Project leaders and collaborators are expected to have the necessary expertise to implement project activities. Where additional expertise is required, project teams are encouraged to seek support from APN and the international global change research community. Any proposed remuneration for additional technical expertise must be agreed upon with APN before the project commences.

Submission procedure and guidelines

23. What is the procedure for submitting a proposal to APN?

All proponents seeking funding under the Collaborative Regional Research Programme (CRRP) or Capacity Development Programme (CAPaBLE) must submit a Summary Proposal through the APN Information System interface (APNIS) at Stage 1.

The Summary Proposals are reviewed by APN’s Scientific Planning Group (SPG) and Scientific Capacity Development Committee (CDC). Based on this review, selected proponents are invited to proceed to Stage 2 and submit a full proposal through APNIS for further consideration. All proponents will be notified of the review results.

Proponents intending to submit a proposal may create an APNIS account and profile at any time, including before or during an active Call for Proposals. Proposals submitted by email are not accepted.

For further instructions, please refer to the latest Call for Proposals announcement.

24. When is the deadline for submitting a proposal to APN?

The submission deadline is typically three to four weeks after the Call for Proposals is launched. Proposals submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

25. If I miss the deadline, will APN still accept my proposal?

No. APN has a rigorous review process that is conducted within a tight timeline. Therefore, deadline compliance is essential.

26. Can I submit more than one proposal?

Each proponent may submit only one proposal at a time. An institution may submit multiple proposals, provided that the proponents are affiliated with different departments within the institution.

27. Can I submit a proposal if I am currently a project leader of an APN project?

Project leaders with an ongoing contract with APN are generally not eligible to submit a new proposal as a proponent. Current project leaders should refer to their contract documentation for the applicable regulations and supplementary information.

However, project leaders who have completed, or are due to complete, their APN projects before the summary proposal deadline may be eligible to submit a new proposal, provided that:

All project reporting requirements are fulfilled by the full proposal deadline; and
The quality and impact of their previous APN project outcomes are deemed satisfactory.

Current project leaders may also participate as collaborators in new proposals, provided that they are not involved in more than two APN projects, whether as a project leader or collaborator, at the time of proposal submission and within the same fiscal year.

For further information, please refer to FAQ #2 and the terms and conditions outlined in your APN project contract.

28. If my proposal is rejected, can I resubmit it to APN in the next round of proposals?

Unsuccessful proponents may resubmit their proposals in the next call for proposals, subject to APN’s recommendations. Feedback on unsuccessful proposals is available upon request from the APN Secretariat after the Call for Proposals cycle has concluded, typically between July and September of the year following the launch of the Call. The feedback may include recommendations on areas for improvement before resubmission or advice on whether the proposal should be resubmitted to APN for funding consideration.

Proposal assessment and selection

29. How will my proposal be evaluated?

Proposals are reviewed by APN’s Scientific Planning Group (SPG), Capacity Development Committee (CDC) and external reviewers from the global change community.

The evaluation process consists of two main review stages:

Stage 1: Summary proposal review: Summary proposals are evaluated and successful proponents are invited to submit a full proposal.
Stage 2: Full proposal review: Full proposals are evaluated by the same reviewer, where applicable, and external reviewers. Proponents will then be requested to respond to feedback and questions as raised by reviewers if their proposals are selected for funding.

30. What are the criteria for proposal selection?

Please refer to the Guide for Proponents for CRRP and CAPaBLE in the APNIS supporting documentation.

31. Who reviews my proposal?

Members from APN’s Scientific Planning Group (SPG), the Capacity Development Committee and external reviewers drawn from the international global change community provide expert reviews of proposals. APN, however, maintains the confidentiality of the reviewers of each proposal on the basis of fair appraisal.

32. Will I be given the opportunity to respond to feedback from experts who review my proposal?

Yes. Proponents will have an opportunity to review and respond to feedback from reviewers at both Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the evaluation process. Responding to reviewers’ comments and questions is mandatory at both stages for successful proponents. Proposals will not be considered further if proponents fail to provide the required responses.

Funding decisions and timeline

33. When is the decision on project funding made?

APN’s Steering Committee makes final funding decisions in June or July of the year following the initial proposal submission.

34. Who makes the final decision on project funding?

Following the advice and recommendations from APN’s Scientific Planning Group (SPG) and/or Capacity Development Committee (CDC), the governing body of APN, the Steering Committee (SC), makes the final decision on project selection for funding.

35. If my proposal is successful, when can I receive funding?

If your proposal is successful following Stages 1 and 2 of the Call for Proposals (FAQ #23), project activities and funding are expected to commence in October of the year following the initial proposal submission.

For detailed information on submission deadlines, review periods and funding timelines, please refer to the Guide for Proponents for CRRP and CAPaBLE, available in the supporting documentation for each programme on the APN Information System (APNIS).

Further questions

36. After reviewing the Frequently Asked Questions, I still have unanswered questions. Where can I find further assistance?

If your question was not addressed in the FAQs, please consult the supplementary documentation provided in the Call for Proposals announcement and APNIS. If you require further assistance, please contact the APN Secretariat at [email protected]. The APN Secretariat will endeavour to respond to enquiries within six weeks.

Question directory