Social Science Research

We are committed to improving evidence-based doping prevention strategies through social science research.

Understanding the fundamental differences between athletes who choose to compete clean and those who resort to doping or why some athletes decided to dope – despite being well aware of the harmful effects of doping and of anti-doping rules - helps identify efficient doping prevention strategies.

Social Science Research Grant Program

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

Social Science Research Strategy

We launched our Social Science Research Strategy in October 2020 after approval by the Executive Committee during its September 2020 meeting. The strategy sets the framework for the period 2020-2024.

Social Science Research Expert Advisory Group (SSREAG)

The SSREAG is responsible for overseeing and advising WADA's social science research activities and the implementation of its strategy.

View the current membership of the SSREAG and Terms of Reference for the Group.

Research Package for Anti-Doping Organizations

The Research Package provides a standardized method of measuring athletes' responses to important issues in anti-doping. This helps assess the effectiveness of education programs and allows for comparisons between athlete populations around the globe.