WADA launches Call for Proposals for 2026 Social Science Research Grant Program

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is pleased to launch a Call for Proposals for its 2026 Social Science Research (SSR) Grant Program. Prospective applicants are invited to submit applications via the Agency’s WADA Grants platform by 24 November 2025. Additionally, WADA would kindly like applicants to note that there has been a significant change for the 2026 Grant Program; specifically that, for Tier 1 and Tier 2 applications, a portion of the Principal Investigator’s time will qualify to be covered in the budget (up to 40% for Tier 1 and 20% for Tier 2). 

Background 

WADA’s commitment to and investment in SSR stems from the understanding that doping is a complex behavioral issue that is influenced by social, psychological, cultural, economic, and systemic factors. As detailed in the 2025-2029 SSR Strategy published on 10 September, WADA’s SSR Grant Program is a key tool through which the Agency facilitates and funds social science research that develops evidence-informed approaches to clean sport and doping prevention.  

Since the Grant Program’s inception in 2005, WADA has funded 150+ projects, awarding more than USD 5 million in SSR grants to organizations of all kinds (including universities, colleges, small businesses, for-profit, and not-for-profit organizations). The details of the projects most recently selected for funding were announced on 10 September and can be viewed here. 

Research Priorities 

Based on an athlete-centered model that identifies six overarching levels of influence, WADA’s SSR Grant Program centers around the following 12 research priorities: 

1. Athlete pathway and experience 
2. Clean sport behaviors 
3. Role and influence of athlete support personnel (ASP) 
4. Experience of ASP in clean sport 
5. People investment 
6. Prevention model  
7. Effectiveness of anti-doping education programs 
8. Anti-doping policy impact 
9. Sport policy 
10. Evolution of sport practices 
11. Horizon scanning 
12. Non-sport influences

Applications should feature a primary research priority that is aligned with one of those listed above, though others may be considered with a strong rationale. More information on the research priorities can be found in the Overview & Guidance for Applicants. 

To submit an application 

We kindly ask for applications to be submitted via the Agency’s WADA Grants platform by 24 November 2025 (23:55 UTC). Please note that applications in French are also accepted.  

To support prospective applicants in navigating the application process, WADA’s Education Department will be hosting a webinar on 16 October at 08:00 EST (in English). Register here. 

2026 Grant Program Timeline 

For further information regarding the 2026 Grant Program, please refer to the Overview and Guidance for Applicants and Frequently Asked Questions section of the WADA Grants platform. Additional questions can be directed to the Agency’s Education Department at ssr@wada-ama.org.