The DREAM 4 Health Grant Program 2026 is a major regional research funding initiative under the SEA DREAM Programme. The program supports multi-country research collaborations that address health challenges across Southeast Asia. It strengthens regional research systems and generates evidence that can improve public health solutions.
About the DREAM 4 Health Grant Program
The DREAM 4 Health Grant Program funds collaborative research projects led by institutions based in Southeast Asia. The initiative focuses on research that responds to regional health themes. Each funded project must demonstrate scientific excellence and institutional capacity.
The program encourages interdisciplinary research and cross-border collaboration. It expects interested applicants to deliver research outputs and build long-term capacity within participating institutions.
Funding Size
- Typical grant amount: 5,500,000 US dollars
- Maximum award: 6,500,000 US dollars
- Project duration supported: up to 60 months
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Who Can Apply for the DREAM 4 Health Grant Program
Eligible organisation types
- Not-for-profit organisations legally registered in eligible Southeast Asian countries
- Public or private universities operating through not-for-profit structures
- Academic research institutes and health research centres
- Multi-country research consortia led by an eligible Southeast Asian institution
Registration or legal documents
- Proof of legal registration in an eligible Southeast Asian country
- Consortium agreement outlining the roles and responsibilities of all partners
- Institutional endorsement letters confirming commitment
- Signed investigator declarations from Principal and Deputy Principal Investigators
Project focus requirements
- Research addressing infectious diseases affecting the region
- Studies examining the health impacts of climate change
- Research focused on mental health
- Projects strengthening health systems
Geographic eligibility
- Lead organisation must be registered in Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, or Vietnam
- Research activities must involve populations or systems within Southeast Asia
- International partners may participate, but funding must flow through the eligible lead organisation
Sector or thematic focus
- Infectious disease prevention and control
- Climate and environmental health research
- Mental health systems and interventions
- Health systems strengthening and equitable access to care
Application Process
- Review eligibility.
- Submit a preliminary application.
- Await shortlisting decision from the review panel.
- If shortlisted, prepare and submit a full proposal with a detailed methodology.
- Submit the final application.
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Required Materials
- Completed preliminary application form
- Full proposal document if invited to submit
- Detailed budget and budget justification
- Consortium agreement or memorandum of understanding
- CVs of Principal Investigator, Deputy Principal Investigator, and key team members
- Documentation confirming institutional support and ethical compliance
Key Dates
- Preliminary application opens: 30 January 2026
- Preliminary application deadline: 24 March 2026 at 11:59 PM
- Full application stage opens: 14 May 2026
- Full application deadline: 10 July 2026
- Funding decisions are expected: November 2026
Selection Notes
- The program is competitive
- Reviewers focus on scientific quality, regional relevance, collaboration strength, and policy impact potential
- Applications that fail to meet consortium eligibility criteria or lack a strong research design will not advance
Official Source of the DREAM 4 Health Grant Program
Application Page: https://grants.sea-dream.org/login