The Hinrich Foundation’s Call for Research Proposals is part of its international trade research program, which aims to deepen global understanding of trade-related issues and support evidence-based policymaking. The Foundation invites individual researchers and research organizations to submit proposals for projects aligned with its thematic interests, including sustainable trade, digital trade, cross-border investment, and the intersection of trade and geopolitics. This opportunity reflects the Foundation’s commitment to producing impactful research that informs public dialogue and policy design on global trade.
The Foundation supports new research as well as summaries of existing work, including previously published research. Deliverables are generally expected to take the form of white papers (around 4,000 words) or shorter articles (approximately 1,600 words), subject to editorial review. The final decision regarding publication remains at the discretion of the Foundation. Researchers may also be asked to produce one or two interim articles summarizing key findings while the research is ongoing.
Research projects are expected to be completed within four months of commission. During the course of the project, researchers are required to provide updates at regular intervals and are encouraged to incorporate feedback from the Hinrich Foundation's research team. The funding provided is negotiable and typically disbursed upon successful completion of the project.
Submissions must include the researcher’s name and credentials, a synopsis outlining major trade themes and two to four guiding research questions, an overview of the methodology, the format of the proposed deliverables, a timetable for completion, and a proposed funding request. Researchers are strongly encouraged to consider both primary and secondary methodologies in their design.
The Foundation accepts research proposals twice per year, with the upcoming submission deadline set for October 31, 2025. Proposals should be submitted via email to research@hinrichfoundation.com. While the call is global in nature, U.S.-based applicants are eligible and encouraged to apply. All proposals will be reviewed competitively and assessed based on alignment with the Foundation’s thematic interests, research quality, and potential policy impact.
Ensure proposal clearly aligns with one or more trade themes (sustainability, digital trade, etc.); pose 2–4 clear research questions; propose a feasible 4-month timeline.
