A total of 28 applications were submitted in this call. Of these, 24 formally eligible proposals underwent an independent international peer review process. The 14 best-ranked projects were selected for funding and are expected to start in autumn 2025. Each project will run for a maximum of two years.
Diverse themes – strong partnerships
The selected projects reflect the thematic and regional diversity of the KoEF programme. Research topics range from biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, sustainable food production and post-conflict recovery to public health, disaster risk management, and mobility justice.
Partner institutions are based in 11 countries across Africa and Asia, including Madagascar, Kenya, Bhutan, Nepal, Indonesia, Vietnam, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Palestine, Senegal and Uganda.
With a total funding volume of approximately 500,000 euros, the KoEF programme supports collaborative research that contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and encourages continuous cooperation.
Funded projects at a glance
- Investigating biodiversity in Madagascar’s threatened freshwater ecosystems (University of Salzburg, University of Antananarivo)
- Rising Water Levels in Lake Baringo: Understanding Catchment Dynamics and Hydrological Controls in Kenya's Rift Valley (BOKU University, Technical University of Kenya)
- Inclusive society and physical infrastructure resilience enhancement – for landslide assessment and disaster management (BOKU University, University of Innsbruck, College of Science and Technology of the Royal University of Bhutan, Tribhuvan University)
- Balancing Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihoods in the Satellite Lakes of Lake Victoria in Kenya in the Face of the Changing Climate (University of Innsbruck, Egerton University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science & Technology, The Technical University of Kenya)
- Understanding plant protein-starch interactions to improve gluten-free bread stability and quality amid climate-induced crop shifts (BOKU University, Universitas Brawijaya)
- From Waste to Value – Sustainable Microbial Lactic Acid Production from Cassava Bagasse (BOKU University, Hanoi University of Science and Technology)
- Unlocking untapped potential of food and crop wastes for sustainable dairy production (University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences)
- Reinforcing Mekelle University Research Capacity in Post-War Recovery: Building Resilient Livelihoods and Ecosystems through Integrated Restoration Approaches (BOKU University, Mekelle University)
- CRISPR-Cas9 Mediated Genome Editing to Develop Nonshattering Sesame Genotypes in Palestine and Ethiopia (BOKU University, Al-Quds Open University, National Agricultural Research Centre, Oda Bultum University)
- Optimization of livestock mobility pathways for informed decision-making among pastoral communities under changing climate in Kenya (University of Salzburg, Technical University of Kenya)
- Enhancing Soil Health in Contaminated Rice Fields: Assessing Local Remediation Strategies in Indonesia and Vietnam (BOKU University, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Vietnam National University of Agriculture)
- African Involuntary Immobility: Understanding Geographic and Social Barriers to Mobility and their Impact on Human Development in Africa (University for Continuing Education Krems, Université Assane Seck Ziguinchor)
- Sustainable Watershed And Resources Management through Shared Local Wisdom, Advanced Research and Mobility (BOKU University, University of Gondar)
- Sustainable Participatory Approach for Research Capacities for Malaria (Medical University of Vienna, Mbale Clinical Research Institute, Bushulo Mother Newborn and Child Specialty Center)
The contracting process is currently underway. More information on the funded projects and participating institutions will be published soon on the KoEF website.
