5 things to know about the EAIE's new Headline Issues Research Grant

A new funding opportunity has arrived for experienced researchers looking to make an impact on international education. The EAIE Headline Issues Research Grant will support targeted research on the key issues shaping the sector. To learn more about the new initiative, we sat down with Laura Rumbley, Director of Knowledge Development and Research, who shared the vision behind this unique funding opportunity and what prospective applicants need to know.

1. What is the new Headline Issues Grant, and what value does it bring to the field?

The EAIE's new Headline Issues Grant enables short, targeted, high-quality research projects focused on real-world issues important to the field of international education. By incentivising skilled researchers to pursue this type of research, we hope to support the development of cutting-edge, research-informed policy and practice.

2. Who is eligible to apply for the grants?

The EAIE is seeking applications from individuals or teams of researchers with a proven track record in conducting research related to the focal point of their proposal. Submitters should pay careful attention to the topics we have indicated and make sure their proposals relate to one or more of them. You don't need to be based in Europe, but proposals do need to demonstrate clear relevance to the European higher education context.

3. The Headline Issues Grant is aimed at experienced researchers and organisations. What value do researchers bring to investigating these timely and often complex issues?

Experienced researchers play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the issues framing the sector today. Their command of the existing knowledge base, theoretical and conceptual frameworks that help to make sense of the dynamics around us, and methodologies for testing assumptions all offer keys to deeper awareness and insight. Their scholarly approaches are invaluable in helping us bring a critical eye to policy and practice.

4. Looking ahead, what impact would you like the Headline Issues Grant to have on the sector?

Beginning in 2027 in Lisbon, I’d like the work resulting from the projects funded by the Headline Issues Grant to serve as a reference point for a clear and research-informed set of answers to some of the most pressing questions we’re grappling with in our community. The EAIE is keen to support efforts that directly improve practice and strengthen the ability of international education to make a positive difference in the world. I’m hopeful the Headline Issues Grant initiative can play a critical role in that.

5. What is one piece of advice you would share with someone thinking about applying for the grant?

Focus on quality over quantity. What I mean is that, with a very short timeline from the grant award to producing results, it's important to keep the focus of your application tight and to the point. We’re looking to fund projects that we feel are both high-quality and high-impact in terms of relevance to policy and practice, so think carefully about how to reflect those two elements in a clear and compelling way in your application materials. Good luck to all applicants! We are excited to receive your proposals.

Send in your application before the deadline

The Headline Issues Research Grant represents a new opportunity to generate timely, impactful research that can help shape the future of international education. To learn more about the grant, including funding priorities, eligibility criteria and application requirements, visit the link here. If you're eligible and have a strong proposal, be sure to apply before the deadline of 30 November 2026.