The Alliance supports research that strengthens health systems and informs real-world decision-making. The Alliance operates not only as a funder, but as a partner in generating, refining and applying knowledge that responds to priority policy challenges.

The Alliance accepts proposals only in response to published calls for proposals and does not accept unsolicited proposals or concept notes.

Alliance published calls often prioritize embedded implementation research, systems thinking and policy relevance, with a strong emphasis on co-production between researchers and decision-makers and on learning that extends beyond a single country or project. They also prioritize impact across multiple domains.

This page outlines how the Alliance works, what it values and what applicants should consider when preparing a proposal.

The Alliance grant cycle is designed to ensure that funded research is relevant, rigorous, adaptive and used.

1. Application phase

When to apply

The Alliance accepts proposals only in response to published calls for proposals. Unsolicited proposals, concept notes or requests to fund stand-alone research ideas or doctoral studies are not reviewed.

Some calls use a staged application process, beginning with an expression of interest or a concept note. A subset of applicants may then be invited to develop full proposals.

Focus of calls

Calls for proposals are usually framed around specific health system challenges – such as climate change, immunization or health financing – while allowing teams to define research questions that respond to their national or subnational policy context and policy cycle. Calls are also frequently focused on one or more specific geographic settings. In line with our strategy, the Alliance funds grants that aim for impact, though we take a broad view of how individual studies can have impact: from framing the issue, building connections and strengthening capacity through to changes in practice and in policy or policy-making processes. We also consider how grants contribute to building the field of health policy and systems research and how they might contribute to small changes in health outcomes.

Submission requirements

Proposals are submitted through the Alliance’s online platform. Applications by email are only accepted in exceptional circumstances agreed with the Secretariat before the submission deadline.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI), including large language models or other applications is permitted when developing responses to Alliance calls for proposal or expressions of interest. However, all applicants will be asked to disclose their use and take full responsibility for the content of their proposal (see the relevant Frequently asked question below).

Applicants should follow the proposal submission instructions closely.  Applications consist of a concise proposal or expression of interest describing the policy problem, research questions, methods and detailed budget. Proposals should clearly describe ethical considerations and plans for obtaining approval from appropriate institutional or national ethics review bodies.

Details of the team composition and curriculum vitae of team members are submitted separately through the online system.

2. Selection and refinement

Review process

Proposals are screened for eligibility by the Secretariat, assessed by external reviewers against criteria tailored to each call, and the final selection is approved by the Alliance’s Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee. Typical criteria include policy relevance, methodological quality, equity considerations, team capability, feasibility, value for money and expected impact or contribution to the field.

Co-creation and refinement

The Alliance rarely funds proposals exactly as submitted. Shortlisted teams are often required to participate in an inception or co-creation workshop. These workshops bring together research teams, other WHO technical departments and peers to refine research questions, analytical frameworks and indicators, strengthen systems thinking and enhance cross-country impact and learning where relevant. This process reflects the Alliance’s emphasis on shared learning rather than stand-alone projects.

3. Implementation, learning and engagement

Embedded governance and engagement

Funded projects are generally expected to establish or work with existing country-level advisory committees or stakeholder working groups, comprising policy-makers, programme managers, implementers, communities and other relevant actors. This group helps guide the research, navigate political and institutional dynamics and ensure continued alignment with policy needs. It may also support research engagement and uptake activities.

Adaptive learning during implementation

Alliance-funded research is expected to be responsive to changing policy contexts. Research questions, methods or focus areas may be refined during implementation in consultation with the Alliance and country stakeholders, recognizing that health systems are dynamic and politically influenced.

Ongoing technical support and peer learning

The Alliance provides technical support throughout implementation, including mentorship on protocol development, data analysis and interpretation, as well as structured opportunities for peer learning across country teams.

Contracting and payments

Grantees are expected to submit periodic technical and financial reports in line with the funding agreement. Funds are disbursed in installments linked to agreed deliverables.

4. Dissemination, ownership and use

Knowledge for decision-making

While peer-reviewed publications are encouraged, the primary outputs of Alliance-funded research are practical knowledge products designed to engage key stakeholders and decision-makers. These may include policy briefs, technical briefs, policy dialogues, presentations, multimedia outputs or learning exchanges. Outputs are usually expected to be co-produced with policy-makers and relevant stakeholders.

Ownership and contribution to the field

Countries and institutions retain ownership of their data and findings. The Alliance places strong emphasis on fair authorship, recognition of local leadership and ethical research partnerships. Funded research should contribute to cumulative learning in health policy and systems research, even where findings are context-specific.

To be competitive, proposals must align with the Alliance’s values and structural requirements.

1. Local leadership: Principal Investigators and lead institutions must be based in the low- or middle-income country where the research is conducted. The Alliance does not fund research where primary intellectual leadership is located in a high-income country.
   
2. Gender considerations: Gender parity is a strict eligibility requirement for submissions. Women must comprise at least 50% of the core research team named in the proposal. Proposals are also expected to demonstrate attention to gender and equity considerations within the research design.
   
3. Embedded policy-maker participation: Alliance grants often support embedded research. Requirements vary by call, but research teams are generally expected to include at least one decision-maker, policy-maker or programme manager currently working within the health system or a relevant ministry as a core team member, not solely in an advisory capacity.
   
4. Systems thinking and equity: The Alliance prioritizes research that examines how policies and interventions interact with the broader health system, including governance, financing, workforce, service delivery and power dynamics. Studies focused solely on clinical efficacy or single interventions in isolation are rarely supported.
5. Limits on high-income country involvement: Collaboration with high-income country institutions is sometimes permitted, but they may not serve as the lead institution. Budget allocations to high-income country partners are often capped, as indicated in specific calls.
6. Scope of funding: The Alliance does not fund direct delivery of health services or consultancy-style reports without a clear research question, stand-alone training activities or infrastructure investments.
   
7. Ethical conduct and approvals: All Alliance-funded research must adhere to internationally recognized ethical standards. Grantees are required to obtain approval from a recognized institutional or national ethics review board prior to data collection as well as any necessary government approvals, where applicable.
8. Compliance with WHO policies and standards of conduct: Institutions and individuals funded through the Alliance are expected to comply with applicable WHO policies, including those related to preventing and addressing abusive conduct and sexual misconduct. Allegations of misconduct may result in remedial actions, including suspension or termination of funding.
9. Institutional eligibility and contracting arrangements: Most Alliance calls are open to institutional applicants only and do not accept applications from individuals. While collaboration and consortia are encouraged, funding agreements are typically issued to a single lead institution, which may subcontract to partners in accordance with the approved budget and applicable rules. Some calls may limit the number of proposals accepted from an individual institution and internal coordination is encouraged.