Our charitable mission is to end combustible tobacco use, which remains the leading preventable cause of death globally. We do this primarily by supporting innovative research conducted by scientists at academic, medical, or other research-based institutions.
At the moment, we’re seeking proposals in two areas of research: Health and Science Research and Cessation Education. We have four active requests for proposals, or RFPs, in these areas. Examples of projects we’re interested in include those that examine innovative ways to support people who smoke as they quit, or those that focus on providing training for people like health care providers on the latest smoking cessation research.
We’re particularly interested in projects that focus on marginalized communities or are carried out in low- and middle-income countries. These groups tend to have higher smoking rates and poorer access to quality health care that can support them in quitting.
Global Action’s research program is guided by experienced researchers and public health professionals. Our current deadline is on Jan. 17, but there will be plenty of future opportunities to apply in 2025.
Once we receive a proposal, we rely on a rigorous and structured evaluation process to ensure that we fund the most promising projects. Generally, this process includes an administrative review to ensure all the necessary components of the proposal are present; and a scientific review to assess the projects merit, relevance to our goals, feasibility, and impact. We also work with external reviewers and our Board of Directors to ensure that we’re giving each project a comprehensive evaluation.
There is no influence, involvement, or participation from the tobacco industry or any commercial entity in our grant evaluation process. This commitment to scientific integrity is stated in our bylaws.
Our funding supports work that may not otherwise be possible. Global Action’s grants allow researchers to have full, flexible autonomy of their work, which is vital as they study a field that is rapidly changing. If marketplaces change during the course of a study, our grantees are able to adapt their research accordingly.
Once we select grants, the researchers’ real work begins. The team receives funding and resources to implement their ideas, along with regular check-ins and reporting requirements to ensure progress stays on track. But even proposals that are not selected often benefit from the process, as constructive feedback can help refine ideas for future funding opportunities.
We know that the only way to bring new solutions to the global smoking epidemic is through collaboration, curiosity, and a systemic search for solutions. We are proud to support a variety of projects that we know will lead to a healthier tomorrow.