Social Science Research

Understanding the fundamental differences between athletes who choose to compete clean and those who resort to doping – despite being well aware of the harmful effects of doping and of anti-doping rules - helps ensure that doping prevention strategies are effective and efficient.

WADA is committed to improving evidence-based doping prevention strategies through our Social Science Research Grant Program.

SSR Grant Program Details

The Call for Proposals for the 2024 Grant Program will open in October 2023

The Social Science Research Grant Program was created to ensure that preventive anti-doping education programs were designed using an evidence-based approach. Since the creation of the Program in 2005, 136 projects have been funded awarding over US$ 4.5 million.

WADA awards research grants to organizations of all types (such as universities, colleges, small businesses, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations).

The Program has three distinct tiers of investment available for applicants. Each tier is defined by the scale and scope of the research projects, as explained in the 2023 Social Science Research Grant Program - Overview and Guidance for Applicants. The tiered system allows for more tailored application requirements for projects rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Support to Grant Applicants - Webinar and Videos

Background and Structure

Application Process Tiers 1 & 2

Application Process Tier 3

Tips & Guidance

Regional Considerations 

Africa English

Africa French

Asia English

Latin America Portuguese

Latin America Spanish

  • Deadline for Expressions of Interest for Tiers 1 and 2: 21 November 2022
  • Deadline for Tier 3: 30 January 2023

Funded Research

Since the creation of the Program in 2005, we have funded 136 projects, awarding over US$ 4.5 million.