Call for
Aubrey Barker Fund Research Grant 2025
About Organisation
The Property Research Trust, in collaboration with the Aubrey Barker Fund, works to advance knowledge in the areas of land, property, and urban development. Rooted in a mission to promote public benefit, the Trust supports high-impact research initiatives that address key challenges in land management, property rights, and sustainable urban growth. With a commitment to practical relevance, the Trust fosters interdisciplinary approaches that bring together researchers, practitioners, and policy experts to develop data-driven and evidence-based solutions. It especially values research that informs best practices and builds local capacity in land and property professions. By enabling partnerships between institutions in developing countries and international collaborators, the Trust promotes global cooperation and inclusive development. Its work is grounded in the belief that improved land tenure, urban resilience, and technological innovation can transform communities and contribute to more equitable and sustainable societies.
About the Grant
The Property Research Trust – Aubrey Barker Fund Research Grant offers up to £10,000 to support original research projects that contribute to public benefit in the land and property sector. This funding round seeks proposals that address at least two of the following priority areas: enhancing land tenure and property rights, strengthening settlement resilience, addressing urban development challenges, improving professional skills and capacity, and leveraging technology for better land management. The grant supports research based on empirical data or modelling, with a suggested timeline of 6–12 months, though this can be negotiated. Preference will be given to projects that generate impactful knowledge, demonstrate practical application, and foster sustainable development in partnership with or within developing countries. The grant encourages applicants who can secure additional funding to maximize the project’s reach and sustainability. This initiative supports the broader mission of improving land and property systems and strengthening the ability of local professionals to implement best practices.
Who can Apply?
The grant is open to individuals or research teams affiliated with universities, commercial entities, or non-profit organisations. Applicants must focus their research on developing countries or carry out their work in collaboration with institutions or communities in these regions. The research must demonstrate long-term benefits for one or more developing countries, either by directly addressing local needs or through meaningful partnerships that contribute to knowledge-sharing and capacity building. Multidisciplinary approaches and applications with cofunding are especially welcome. The fund aims to attract researchers whose work aligns with its mission of enhancing land rights, urban sustainability, and professional development in the land and property sector. Applicants should have a clearly defined research objective and methodology and should be committed to producing outcomes that have practical value for policymakers, practitioners, and affected communities. Proposals must show how the research will contribute to lasting impact and public benefit.
How to Apply?
Applicants must submit a detailed research proposal outlining objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, budget, and timeline. Submissions should demonstrate alignment with the fund’s focus areas and show potential for community impact.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted no later than 4th July 2025. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered for this funding round.
Last Date to Apply
The final date to submit your application for the Property Research Trust – Aubrey Barker Fund Research Grant is 4 July 2025.
Grant Amount
A single research grant of up to £10,000 will be awarded to support a project addressing critical issues in land, property, and urban development.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
