The Cross-border Conflict Evidence, Policy and Trends (XCEPT) research programme brings together world-leading experts and local researchers to examine conflict-affected borderlands, how conflicts connect across borders, and the drivers of violent and peaceful behaviour. Funded by UK International Development, XCEPT offers rigorous public good research to advance scholarship and inform policies and programmes that support peace. The programme includes the XCEPT Research Fund (XRF) to commission high-quality new research. This XRF call for proposals will support the development of 4-8 research projects that examine policy and programme interventions in conflict-affected borderlands, with a particular focus on surfacing actionable insights to address challenges related to conflict economies and how licit/illicit economic activity intersects with conflict and governance in borderlands. This Call for Concept Notes is designed to respond to and build on past borderland and cross-border conflict dynamics highlighted in XCEPT-supported research to date, generating more focused analysis on policy responses or approaches that address the linkages between borderland conflict economies and the local, national and transnational drivers of conflict, as well as actionable recommendations for their improvement. 

Eligibility

• XCEPT welcomes applications from both individuals and organisations. 
• Applicants should name a Principal Investigator (and Co-Investigators, as relevant). They expect Principal Investigators to be academics, subject matter experts, or advanced practitioners engaged in research, policy, or programme activities. Principal investigators will usually hold a PhD, but other equivalent academic or professional qualifications will also be considered – for example, they encourage applications from former policymakers with deep experience working on relevant issues.
• Global South researchers and research organisations are strongly encouraged to apply, independently or in partnership / collaboration with researchers or research organisations based in the Global North.
• Proposals should consider whether the research would be strengthened through the participation of researchers with different disciplinary backgrounds, or through partnerships between academics and policy professionals.
• Applications from consortia, partnerships or networks of two or more organisations are welcome. For all consortia, a lead organisation should be declared. Applicant organisations can be either for-profit or not-for-profit.

XCEPT anticipate issuing between four and eight awards under this call, across a range of funding levels. The final number of awards may be higher or lower, depending on the scale, quality, and strategic fit of the proposals received. Budget range for each award is up to GBP 120,000.

Submission deadline: Wednesday 17 September 2025, 10:00 BST