Mekong Thought Leadership and Think Tanks Network Program: Driving Sustainable Solutions in the Mekong Region

The Mekong Thought Leadership and Think Tanks Network (MTT) Program is a vital initiative aimed at developing actionable, evidence-based solutions to address water, energy, and development challenges in the Mekong Region. Running from 2023 to 2026, this three-year program seeks to influence policy and practice, ensuring sustainable development through collaborative research and strategic partnerships.

Program Highlights

Active Project Duration: 2023–2026

Key Contacts:

• Chayanis Krittasudthacheewa: chayanis.k@sei.org
• Agus Nugroho: agus.nugroho@sei.org
• Rajesh Daniel: rajesh.daniel@sei.org

Current Opportunities and Calls

1. Media-Research Collaboration Fellowships for Environmental Reporting

The MTT Program, hosted by SEI Asia, is offering six media-research collaboration fellowships to journalists in the Mekong Region. Each fellowship is valued at up to AUD 5,000 (~ USD 3,300) and will support activities from October 2024 to May 2025. These fellowships aim to produce impactful stories that highlight critical environmental sustainability issues, enhancing the visibility of MTT’s research activities and their influence on policy.

• Application Deadline: 15 September 2024, 23:59 (Bangkok/Indochina time)
• Application Link: Apply Here

For more details, download the fellowship call PDF.

2. Midterm Evaluation Proposals

The MTT Program is seeking proposals for a Midterm Evaluation (MTE) to assess program progress against set targets, outcomes, and activities. This evaluation will guide stakeholders in enhancing the program’s implementation and sustainability for the remaining period.

• Funding: Up to AUD 25,000 (~ USD 16,300)
• Application Deadline: 15 May 2024, 23:59 (Bangkok/Indochina time)

3. Fellowship Calls

The MTT Program is offering fellowships to entry- or mid-level professionals focused on enhancing their capacity in research and policy engagement. The fellowships aim to develop practical and sustainable solutions to the region’s challenges.

• 3rd Batch Fellowships:
  • Duration: 1-year full-time or part-time
  • Application Deadline: 14 April 2024, 23:59 (Bangkok/Indochina time)
• 2nd Batch Fellowships:
  • Duration: 12-month full-time or up to 17-month part-time
  • Application Deadline: 30 September 2023, 23:59 (Bangkok/Indochina time)

For more details, download the fellowship call PDF.

4. Flagship Studies and Rapid Response Grants

The MTT Program invites proposals for research-to-policy projects focused on the water-energy-climate (WEC) nexus. The program offers two types of grants:

• Flagship Research Studies:
  • Funding: Up to AUD 250,000 (~ USD 163,000) per project, with a total of AUD 1,000,000 (~ USD 652,000) available.
  • Timeline: 18 months from contract signing.
  • Application Deadline: 1 October 2023, 23:59 (Bangkok/Indochina time)
• Rapid Response Grants:
  • Funding: Up to AUD 50,000 (~ USD 33,000) per project, with a total of AUD 350,000 (~ USD 230,000) available.
  • Timeline: 12 months from contract signing.
  • Application Deadline: 1 October 2023, 23:59 (Bangkok/Indochina time)

For more details, apply here.

Get Involved

The MTT Program is at the forefront of addressing critical challenges in the Mekong Region. Whether you’re a journalist, researcher, or professional, there are numerous opportunities to contribute to this important work. Apply today and be part of the solution!