Call for Funding: Promoting Decolonisation Using Innovative Knowledge Practices
Background
The debate on decolonisation of global health has become increasingly prominent over the last couple of years, with opportunities for dialogue, learning and change. There has been long-standing criticism of the power imbalances in knowledge practices including in the areas of global health research and curriculum design and delivery for global health training. For example, research and training agenda are often set and implemented by institutions in high-income countries. The COVID-19 pandemic has further illuminated some of these health inequities, and the decolonisation movement is seeking to contribute to efforts to address these challenges.
The Decolonisation and Global Health Research Exchange Network is a multidisciplinary network of academics, practitioners, and activists with a shared interest in unpacking decolonisation debates in knowledge practices are implementing a set of exchanges and activities towards contributing to a research and action agenda for positive practice. The network has a particular interest in the role and position of Africa, and in knowledge practices in Africa.
As part of this effort, the network is seeking to identify and showcase individuals, groups, organisations, and networks who are implementing innovative approaches to knowledge production and dissemination.
Objective
The overall aim of this scheme is to contribute to decolonisation of knowledge processes and practices through shining a light on approaches and initiatives that are positively transforming established norms in the design, production, translation, teaching, and use of knowledge in health. We hope to fund activities and outputs (e.g., reports, issue briefs, and media pieces such as digital stories, vlogs and animations) that amplify the work of individuals, groups, organisations, and networks who are engaged in less visible forms of knowledge production, particularly those that draw upon tacit, embedded, and other forms of knowledge processes and practices. We are also interested in approaches that aim to transform structures and systems such as organisational culture and funding systems in the knowledge generation and sharing as well as the teaching and learning ecosystems. Overall, we are open to a wide range of transformational initiatives being implemented across or relevant to Africa.
Eligibility
Individuals, groups, organisations, and networks working in academic, activist, NGO, advocacy, media, and other relevant fields are eligible to participate. We are particularly interested in those working in Africa, but those working in other LMICs with activities of relevance to knowledge practices in Africa are also eligible.
Funding, Expected Outputs and Timelines
Each successful applicant (individual or group) will be supported with a grant of up to £6000 for a duration of six (6) months for implementation of their proposed project. Successful applicants will be expected to use the funds to produce distinctive outputs and advocacy pieces (e.g., reports, issue briefs, and media pieces such as digital stories, vlogs, and animations) which showcase positive knowledge practices in global health. Funds can cover person time of researchers, activists or communication experts, and costs of producing materials. Essential equipment costs up to a maximum of 500 GBP can also be included.
Application Process
A two-stage process will be used to select awardees. Applicants are requested to submit a two-page concept note. Successful applicants for the concept note stage will be requested to submit a fuller five-page proposal on which the final selection will be based.
Submitted concept notes should outline the following:
- The name and contact details of individual(s)/organisation applying
- The work and approach to be showcased, including why this is of relevance to the decolonisation agenda;
- The activities and outputs proposed; and
- A budget indicating a brief breakdown of the costs requested
Formatting requirements:
- Concept notes must be a maximum of two (2) A4 pages converted into a pdf file
- Font must be Arial size 12,
Please indicate whether you would like your work showcased even if it is not selected for funding.
Concept notes should be submitted by email to nadiatagoe@knust.edu.gh with the subject ‘KNOWLEDGE PRACTICES CONCEPT NOTE’.
The deadline for submission is 31st July 2022.