Call for Grant Research Proposals

CAPS Unlock announces the launch of a research grant program focused on studying cooperation between Central Asian countries and China.

Grants of $500 will be awarded to individual researchers or research teams for the preparation of 6,000-7,000-word reports (excluding references) on selected topics. The grant period is up to three months from the date of approval.

Eligibility Criteria

Researchers from Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) with at least a Master’s degree in economics, humanities, or social sciences are eligible to apply.

Research Topics

• Technological and Digital Cooperation
• Energy Cooperation
• Mutual Trade
• The Role of Special Economic Zones
• Chinese Finance in Central Asia: The Issue of Public Debt Accumulation
• Climate Cooperation

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following documents via email to info@capsunlock.org with the subject line:
“Research Proposal – [Applicant’s Name]”

1. Researcher’s CV
2. Completed application form (download below)

Language

Applications and research papers may be submitted in Russian or English.

Key Dates

• Call for Applications: April 2, 2025
• Preliminary Selection Results: May 1, 2025. UPDATE: The results will be ready after May 10, 2025
• Interviews: May 12, 2025
• Contract Signing with a 50% Advance Payment: No later than June 1, 2025
• Report Submission Deadline: September 1, 2025
• Peer Review and Plagiarism Check: October 1, 2025
• Final Report Submission and Final Payment: November 1, 2025

For any questions, please contact us at info@capsunlock.org