Policy Expo Grant Scheme to Accept Research Applications
The grant supports researchers in producing policy books and journal articles due for submission by November 24, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Geography
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The Regional Studies Association has opened applications for its 2026 Policy Expo Grant Scheme, which seeks to bridge academic research with government and international agencies. Interested teams must submit their proposals by November 24, 2026.
Why it matters
This grant scheme incentivizes researchers to distill complex academic findings into accessible policy books, directly connecting regional science with international governance and public planning.
Selected projects must produce a policy-facing book between 25,000 and 30,000 words. The organization covers the article processing charge for the mandatory publication in Regional Studies, Regional Science.
The players
Regional Studies Association
An international professional body that facilitates academic research and policy engagement in the field of regional development.
The details
Applicants must focus their research on one of six designated themes, such as health populations or climate sustainability. Proposals must include at least one early career researcher or PhD student to ensure professional development within the project. The Regional Studies Association provides specific templates and guidance to help teams structure their work for non-academic policy audiences.
Timeline
Applications for the grant scheme are currently open.
The submission deadline is 24 November 2026 at 5pm GMT.
The Tech Race
This initiative represents a strategic effort to move academic output beyond traditional journals and into the hands of global policymakers. It follows the precedent set by academic dissemination programs that prioritize the translation of empirical data into actionable government policy.
Researchers and PhD students aiming to influence policy can apply for support to publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals and policy books. Successful teams gain access to professional dissemination channels and help bridge the gap between academic data and public agency decision-making.
The takeaway
This grant demonstrates a growing emphasis on translating complex regional science into concise policy-facing literature. Interested parties should prepare their proposals for the 24 November 2026 deadline to secure the association's support for their publication and dissemination efforts.
What happens next
The Regional Studies Association will finalize the selection process after the 24 November 2026 deadline.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research and professional developments in the field of Geography.
More information
Review the full requirements and access the submission templates on the RSA grant application details page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by RSA Main.
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