Establishing Infrastructure Hubs to Power Evidence Synthesis in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Funds five AI-enabled evidence synthesis hubs in LMICs to build infrastructure for health and policy impact across key sectors, emphasizing open science, responsible AI, and stakeholder collaboration.
Funder: Wellcome Trust
Due Dates: April 7, 2026 (Scope check deadline) | May 7, 2026 (Full application deadline)
Funding Amounts: £1.5–£1.9 million per hub | 5 awards | 3–5 years
Summary: Funds five hubs in low- and middle-income countries to build AI-enabled evidence synthesis infrastructure for health and policy impact in key sectors.
Key Information: Lead applicant must be based at an LMIC institution; scope check summary due one month before full application.
Description
This funding opportunity supports the creation of five global infrastructure hubs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), dedicated to advancing evidence synthesis capabilities, particularly through AI-enabled, living evidence systems. The hubs will focus on one of five policy sectors—food systems, humanitarian assistance, economic growth, peace and effective institutions, or social protection—each aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Wellcome’s health priorities (Climate and Health, Infectious Disease, Mental Health, Discovery Research). Projects must demonstrate how their infrastructure will address at least one health challenge, contribute to cross-sectoral standards, and actively involve diverse stakeholders in co-production and piloting. The program emphasizes open science, responsible AI, and collective impact approaches through the Evidence Synthesis Infrastructure Collaborative (ESIC).
