ALF Knowledge for Action K4A Cycle 2: Apply for €700 Research Brief Funding and Up to €500 for an Academic Dialogue.

The Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF) has opened applications for the second cycle of its Knowledge for Action (K4A) Programme, an opportunity designed to support evidence-based and policy-oriented research addressing important challenges across the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Through the ALF Knowledge for Action – K4A Cycle 2, selected authors will develop research-based policy briefs that contribute to discussions on intercultural dialogue, cooperation, resilience, migration, youth participation, education, innovation, climate action, digital transformation and other issues affecting the Common Mediterranean Space.

The programme is particularly focused on helping academic institutions and researchers transform knowledge and research findings into practical, visible and actionable policies and practices that can benefit civil society and contribute to addressing pressing regional challenges.

Selected authors will receive a €700 net lump sum for the production of their research brief and may receive up to €500 net to organise an Academic Dialogue within their community of practice. The overall indicative amount allocated to the call is €27,500.

The application deadline is 24 October 2026 at 23:59 Central European Time (CET).

What Is the ALF Knowledge for Action K4A Programme?

The ALF Knowledge for Action Programme promotes the production and dissemination of research that is both evidence-based and oriented towards policymaking.

The programme focuses on research that addresses relevant dimensions of Intercultural Dialogue in the Euro-Mediterranean region. It aims to strengthen the ability of academic institutions, including universities, think tanks and specialised centres, to translate research and knowledge into policies and practices that are rigorous, visible and useful to society.

The programme also contributes to the wider objectives of the Pact for the Mediterranean, which provides a renewed framework for cooperation between the European Union and its Southern Mediterranean partners.

Through this framework, the programme supports evidence-based knowledge, cooperation and dialogue across the Common Mediterranean Space, with the broader goal of contributing to a more integrated, prosperous, resilient and secure Euro-Mediterranean region.

What Does the K4A Cycle 2 Opportunity Support?

The opportunity is intended for authors whose proposed research can contribute to the Euro-Mediterranean policy debate.

Successful applicants will be expected to produce a Brief addressing one of the programme’s specified themes. The proposed work must have a clear Euro-Mediterranean perspective and must explicitly incorporate an intercultural dialogue approach into both the analysis and recommendations.

This means applicants should not simply propose research on a general global or national issue. Their proposals should demonstrate why the subject matters to the Euro-Mediterranean region and how intercultural dialogue can inform the research, recommendations and potential cooperation.

Research Topics for K4A Cycle 2

Applicants are expected to select one of the following areas for their proposed Brief:

1. Intercultural Dimensions of the Green and Blue Transitions

This theme focuses on the social and intercultural dimensions of the transition towards greener and more sustainable economies.

Potential areas of consideration include:

• Energy transitions
• Climate change
• Coastal communities
• Cooperation between communities affected by environmental transitions
• Intercultural approaches to environmental policy

2. Sustainable Transport and Connectivity Corridors

This topic explores transport and connectivity corridors as potential spaces for exchange, cooperation and interaction across the Mediterranean.

Applicants can consider how improved connectivity can contribute not only to economic development but also to cooperation and relationships between communities and countries.

3. Evidence-Based Policymaking and Shared Knowledge Platforms

This theme focuses on the importance of research, data and shared knowledge in developing effective public policy.

Proposals may examine ways of improving:

• Evidence-based decision-making
• Knowledge sharing
• Research-to-policy connections
• Shared knowledge platforms
• Cooperation between research institutions and policymakers

4. Mediterranean Disaster Preparedness and Resilience

Applicants can explore how to build a people-centred Mediterranean disaster preparedness and resilience community.

The theme provides an opportunity to examine approaches to disaster preparedness, community resilience and cooperation across the Euro-Mediterranean region.

5. Intercultural Dialogue in Migration Governance

This topic focuses on migration governance through an intercultural dialogue perspective.

Proposed research could examine how dialogue and cooperation can contribute to more effective approaches to migration governance across the Mediterranean.

6. Peace, Security and Trust-Building Through Youth and Civil Society Cooperation

This theme highlights the role of young people and civil society organisations in strengthening peace, security and trust.

Applicants can explore how cooperation between youth and civil society actors can contribute to stronger relationships and greater trust across communities.

7. Higher Education Cooperation and Mobility

The programme also supports research on higher education cooperation and mobility in the Common Mediterranean Space.

This can include questions relating to academic cooperation, student and researcher mobility, institutional partnerships and cross-border knowledge exchange.

8. Bridging Skills Gaps for Green and Digital Transitions

This theme addresses the skills required for inclusive green and digital transitions.

Research could consider how education, training and skills development can help communities participate more effectively in changing labour markets and economies.

9. Culture, Sport and Sustainable Tourism

Applicants can also investigate how culture, sport and sustainable tourism can serve as drivers of shared narratives.

The focus is on how these areas can contribute to intercultural understanding, cooperation and stronger connections across the Mediterranean.

10. Civil Society, Local Authorities and Youth Participation

This theme focuses on cooperation between civil society organisations and local authorities, alongside meaningful youth participation.

The objective is to explore approaches that can contribute to more inclusive governance.

11. Inclusive Startup and Innovation Ecosystems

Applicants can examine how startup and innovation ecosystems can become more inclusive and accessible.

The research may consider cooperation, entrepreneurship, innovation and policies that enable broader participation in emerging economic opportunities.

12. Digital Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence and Data Economies

The final topic focuses on digital infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence and data economies, with an emphasis on a human-centred and intercultural approach.

Applicants should consider the social and intercultural implications of digital transformation rather than focusing solely on technological development.

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Financial Benefits of the K4A Programme

One of the major benefits of the ALF Knowledge for Action programme is financial support for selected authors.

Successful authors will receive:

• €700 net as a lump sum for producing the approved research Brief.
• Up to €500 net for organising a dissemination event known as an Academic Dialogue within their community of practice.

The Academic Dialogue is intended to encourage peer discussion, intergenerational exchange and greater visibility of the selected author’s research.

Importantly, payment will only be made after the agreed outputs have been submitted and approved. The programme does not provide pre-financing.

The Anna Lindh Foundation will also publish selected Briefs and disseminate them across the Euro-Mediterranean region through dedicated Civil Society Dialogues.

This means the opportunity offers more than financial support. Selected researchers can also gain an opportunity for their work to be published and shared with wider Euro-Mediterranean audiences.

What Is a Brief?

A Brief is a research and policy communication tool designed to present research findings and recommendations in a way that can support policymaking.

According to the programme’s definition, Briefs:

• Examine a specific policy issue.
• Explain the policy relevance of the issue.
• Present relevant findings.
• Evaluate policy options where appropriate.
• Provide recommendations that can inform decision-making.

Therefore, applicants should ensure that their proposed research is capable of producing clear and practical policy recommendations rather than remaining purely theoretical.

What Is an Academic Dialogue?

An Academic Dialogue is a public event intended to increase the visibility and discussion of the research produced through the programme.

These events aim to:

• Encourage peer discussions.
• Promote intergenerational exchange.
• Increase the visibility of research.
• Connect academic audiences with relevant stakeholders.
• Promote intercultural themes within the Euro-Mediterranean agenda.

Selected authors will receive support from the ALF Secretariat in organising their Academic Dialogues after their Brief has received final approval.

How to Apply for the ALF K4A Cycle 2 Programme

Applicants must submit their applications online before the deadline.

The application requires candidates to submit a one-page concept in English.

The concept must:

• Be submitted as a Word document.
• Be written in Calibri, size 11.
• Follow the structure provided by the programme.
• Clearly communicate the proposed research idea.
• Demonstrate the relevance of the research to the Euro-Mediterranean region.
• Explain the proposed cooperation with civil society organisations.

The concept should contain the following key elements:

1. Proposed Title

Applicants should provide a clear title for their proposed Brief.

The title should communicate the central issue or research theme effectively.

2. Theme, Challenges, Objectives and Added Value

The concept should provide a short explanation of:

• The selected theme.
• The challenges being addressed.
• The research objectives.
• The added value of the proposed research.

Applicants should demonstrate why the proposed research is important and what additional value it could bring to existing discussions.

3. Euro-Mediterranean Dimension

Applicants must explain the Euro-Mediterranean aspects of their proposed Brief.

This section should show how the proposed research relates to the region and why the issue should be examined from a Euro-Mediterranean perspective.

4. Cooperation With Civil Society Organisations

Applicants must also describe the anticipated forms of cooperation with civil society organisations and clearly explain the role these organisations would play.

This is an important part of the application because cooperation with civil society is incorporated into the programme’s selection criteria.

Important Application Instructions

Applicants should carefully review their concept before submitting it.

The application system does not allow candidates to save their application as a draft or make changes after submission.

Once the call closes, the most recently submitted version of the application will be processed.

Additionally, an individual candidate may submit only one proposal under this call.

Applicants should therefore make sure that their proposal is complete, carefully reviewed and aligned with the programme requirements before clicking the final submission button.

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What Happens After Selection?

The K4A Cycle 2 programme follows a structured research and review process.

Phase 1: Kick-Off and Drafting

After selection, successful authors will participate in a kick-off meeting.

They will receive:

• Detailed Terms of Reference.
• Editorial Guidelines.
• Guidance on developing their Brief.

Authors will then have two months to prepare and submit their draft text.

The draft will undergo a thorough peer-review process.

After receiving feedback from reviewers, authors will have one month to incorporate the recommendations and prepare a consolidated version of their work.

The revised Brief will then be resubmitted to the ALF Secretariat for final approval.

Phase 2: Revision, Approval and Dissemination

The ALF Secretariat may request additional revisions after the Brief has been resubmitted.

Authors may therefore need to make further changes until the required quality level has been achieved.

Once the Secretariat determines that no further revisions are necessary, the Brief will be approved and considered for publication and dissemination.

Following final approval, the ALF Secretariat will support authors in organising their Academic Dialogues.

The process is designed to ensure that published materials make a meaningful contribution to the Euro-Mediterranean debate while benefiting from rigorous examination before being shared with wider audiences.

How Applications Will Be Evaluated

The selection committee will assess applications using four main criteria.

Added Value of the Proposed Research Approach — 35%

The largest portion of the evaluation focuses on the added value of the proposed research approach in relation to the selected topic.

Applicants should therefore demonstrate that their approach offers meaningful value and contributes something useful to the existing discussion.

Euro-Mediterranean Scope — 25%

The proposed Brief must have a strong Euro-Mediterranean dimension.

Applicants should clearly demonstrate the relevance of their research to the region rather than presenting an issue without a clear regional connection.

Author’s Background — 25%

The committee will also consider the applicant’s background in the specific field addressed by the proposed Brief.

Applicants should therefore ensure that their experience and expertise are relevant to their chosen topic.

Cooperation With Civil Society Organisations — 15%

The final criterion assesses the innovative nature of the proposed cooperation with civil society organisations and the role assigned to them.

Applicants should provide a credible explanation of how civil society organisations can participate in or contribute to the proposed research and related activities.

Additional Selection Considerations

Beyond the weighted selection criteria, the programme will also consider gender, youth and geographical balance across Euro-Mediterranean sub-regions and countries.

Priority will be given to applicants affiliated with organisations or institutions that are members of one of the national networks of the Anna Lindh Foundation.

The programme also aims to diversify its beneficiaries.

Because of the expected number of applications and the limited resources available, priority will be given to applications from candidates who did not receive funding from the ALF Knowledge for Action Programme during the previous two years.

ALF Knowledge for Action K4A Cycle 2 Timeline

Applicants should take note of the key dates associated with the programme.

• 24 September 2026: Call launched
• 6 October 2026: Online information session at 12:00 pm CET
• 24 October 2026 at 23:59 CET: Application deadline
• 19 November 2026: Selected authors announced
• 24 November 2026: Introductory meeting with selected authors
• 23 January 2027: Deadline for submission of draft Briefs
• 1 March 2027: Review recommendations communicated to authors
• 17 April 2027: Deadline for submission of reviewed Briefs
• May–July 2027: Authors organise their Academic Dialogues

Online Information Session

The Anna Lindh Foundation will hold an online information session on 6 October 2026 at 12:00 pm CET.

The session provides applicants with an opportunity to learn more about the call before the application deadline.

Interested candidates should consider attending the session if they require additional clarification about the programme or application process.

Background of the Anna Lindh Foundation

The Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF) was created in 2005 as a Euro-Mediterranean intergovernmental organisation based in Alexandria, Egypt.

The Foundation’s work is inspired by the legacy of Anna Lindh and is centred on promoting intercultural dialogue and inclusive societies where diversity is valued and different voices can participate.

The organisation works to promote peace, justice and partnerships through meaningful intercultural exchanges.

The ALF brings together organisations, institutions, policymakers and other change-makers from countries across the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Its work is supported through its National Civil Society Networks, which include more than 4,500 members, as well as the 43 states represented on its Board of Governors.

Funding Framework for the K4A Programme

The Knowledge for Action programme is developed within the framework of Action Grant Phase VII and is aligned with the Anna Lindh Foundation’s Multiannual Work Programme 2025–2028.

The indicative overall amount allocated to this particular call is €27,500.

The ALF Secretariat reserves the right not to distribute the entire amount available under the call.

Why This Opportunity Matters

The ALF Knowledge for Action K4A Cycle 2 opportunity is particularly relevant for researchers and academic professionals interested in connecting research with policymaking and social impact.

The programme combines several important elements:

1. Research support: Selected authors receive financial support to produce their Briefs.
2. Policy engagement: The programme encourages research that can contribute to policymaking.
3. Regional relevance: Proposed research must address issues from a Euro-Mediterranean perspective.
4. Intercultural dialogue: Applicants are expected to integrate intercultural dialogue into their research and recommendations.
5. Civil society cooperation: Applicants must consider meaningful cooperation with civil society organisations.
6. Publication and dissemination: Selected Briefs may be published and disseminated through the ALF’s Euro-Mediterranean networks.
7. Academic engagement: Authors can organise Academic Dialogues to share and discuss their research.
8. Peer review: Proposed research undergoes a rigorous review and revision process before final approval.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Although the programme does not prescribe a specific writing strategy beyond the required concept structure, applicants can strengthen their submissions by ensuring that their proposed research clearly responds to the programme’s requirements.

A strong concept should make it easy for reviewers to understand:

• What problem the research will address.
• Why the problem matters.
• Which of the programme’s 12 themes the proposal addresses.
• What the research aims to achieve.
• What new value the research could provide.
• Why the issue has Euro-Mediterranean relevance.
• How intercultural dialogue will be integrated.
• Which civil society organisations or actors could participate.
• What role civil society organisations would play.
• How the research could contribute to policy discussions.

Applicants should also ensure that their proposed topic matches their academic or professional background because the author’s expertise in the selected field represents 25% of the selection score.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the ALF Knowledge for Action – K4A Cycle 2 programme is:

24 October 2026 at 23:59 Central European Time (CET).

Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline and carefully check all information before submission because applications cannot be saved as drafts or edited after they have been submitted.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their application through the official Anna Lindh Foundation Knowledge for Action K4A Cycle 2 application portal.

The official call and application form are available through the Anna Lindh Foundation’s website.

Applicants should review the complete call documentation and application requirements before preparing their one-page concept.

Conclusion

The ALF Knowledge for Action K4A Cycle 2 programme provides an opportunity for researchers affiliated with eligible academic institutions to develop evidence-based and policy-oriented research addressing important Euro-Mediterranean challenges.

With support of €700 net for the production of a Brief and up to €500 net for an Academic Dialogue, the programme combines research funding with opportunities for publication, dissemination, peer engagement and contribution to regional policy discussions.

The programme covers a wide range of issues, including climate and energy transitions, sustainable transport, evidence-based policymaking, disaster resilience, migration governance, youth and civil society cooperation, higher education, skills development, culture and tourism, innovation ecosystems, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and data economies.

Applicants should pay particular attention to the programme’s requirement for a clear Euro-Mediterranean perspective and an explicit intercultural dialogue approach. They should also demonstrate the relevance of their proposed research, their expertise in the chosen field and innovative ways of working with civil society organisations.

The application deadline is 24 October 2026 at 23:59 CET, making it important for eligible candidates to begin preparing their one-page concept early and carefully review the requirements before submission.

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