Forty-nine interdisciplinary research projects to explore challenges in the Global South

The British Academy today announces funding for 49 interdisciplinary research projects designed to explore challenges faced in the Global South through its Humanities and Social Sciences Tackling Global Challenges programme.

Funded by the UK’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (through the Global Challenges Research Fund), the awards made under this programme will use interdisciplinary research ideas from the humanities and social sciences to address the challenges and opportunities that people, cultures, societies, and economies face in the Global South. These awards incorporate a broad range of different methodological approaches and have brought together collaborative, equitable research teams for maximum impact.

The projects, funded through the Academy’s Humanities and Social Sciences Tackling Global Challenges programme, will be delivered by researchers based in 33 different institutions across the UK and 66 institutions in the Global South. The research will benefit 36 low- and middle-income countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific.

This new cohort of award-holders will explore a wide range of important issues including how flooding impacts on the livelihoods of those living in the Central Highlands of Vietnam; how violent conflict impacts upon the abuse and misuse of prescription and non-prescription medicine in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region; and the psychological adaptation of young people to climate change risks in the Pacific Islands.

Professor Simon Goldhill FBA, Foreign Secretary and Vice-President of the British Academy, said:

“We are delighted to announce this new cohort of award-holders for the Humanities and Social Sciences Tackling Global Challenges programme. The interdisciplinary focus of these projects will be crucial in delivering important perspectives and novel approaches to the challenges facing those in the Global South.

“The research addresses an immense range of important challenges, from the impact of climate change to the movement of displaced peoples and the vulnerability of people’s livelihoods across the Global South. Several of our award-holders will be addressing the coronavirus pandemic and investigating its lasting consequences, from school closures to urban poverty. I look forward to following the research teams’ progress over the next 24 months.”