THE CALL FOR RESEARCH PROPOSALS BIOCOSMOS AFRICA RESEARCH GRANTS 2026 – ADVANCING THE THEORY OF INTELLIGENT DESIGN WITH DEADLINE SET FOR 5TH OF OCTOBER 2026

About BioCosmos Africa

BioCosmos Africa (BCA) is a Norwegian trust founded in the fall of 2021 for the purpose of establishing and supporting national BioCosmos foundations whose objectives would be to convey knowledge about the scientific theory of Intelligent Design in their own countries. Each daughter foundation is supposed to be administered and run by national academics who would develop and introduce university curricula in Intelligent Design and assist their universities to implement the programs either as stand-alone programs, course units or as part of a course units; encourage and recruit academics to attend the African seminar or apply for the online seminar organized by the Discovery Institute to be able to understand the theory of Intelligent Design; organize public lectures in collaboration with their universities; establish BioCosmos student clubs at universities and organize annual/biannual BioCosmos conferences. BioCosmos Africa is thus the mother trust of BioCosmos Kenya (BCK), formally founded in April 2022, and BioCosmos Tanzania (BCT), formally founded in November 2023, BioCosmos Uganda March 2025 and BioCosmos Rwanda in progress 2026.

Overview of the call

BioCosmos Africa is pleased to announce its 2^nd Call for Research Proposals aimed at advancing the scientific, philosophical, and interdisciplinary exploration of Intelligent Design (ID). This call invites bold, original, and rigorous research projects that align with the mission of promoting a robust and credible scientific case for Intelligent Design, particularly in the African context. It is open to select African countries, namely Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, to implement research projects that will generate and advance knowledge on Intelligent Design (ID) enhances the understanding of ID in Africa, produces evidence to inform policymaking, and fosters innovative ideas related to ID.

Eligibility for funding:

Applicants:

1. Must use the official application form provided by BioCosmos Foundation 
   
2. Must be aligned to the following thematic areas: 
   a. Molecular Biology, Genetics and Origins of Life
   b. Systems Biology, Bioengineering and Biomimetics
   c. Cosmology, Physics and Fine-Tuning
   d. Bioinformatics

3. Must be residents of East Africa and Proposed project domiciled in East Africa
   
4. The Principal Investigator must have taken The BioCosmos Africa Online programme or any other approved training in Intelligent Design eg. International Summer Seminar, Specialized Training in Intelligent Design – [Attach Relevant Certificate]
   
5. The Principal Investigator must be a registered member of BioCosmos Foundation and updated his/her annual subscription but is allowed to bring onboard renowned scientists with unique expertise [Attach Proof of Membership Registration and good standing in relation to annual subscription]
   
6. Must demonstrate originality of idea to be funded and how such idea will contribute to the existing body of knowledge in Intelligent Design
   
7. Must provide a full research proposal, workplan and budget
   
8. Must be ready if successful to receive funds in tranches as shall be approved by the research funds management committee funding that must be accounted for before subsequent tranches are released with clear achievable milestones 

ix. Must be ready to publish output in a per reviewed journal 

Submission Guidelines

1. Submit proposals in PDF format to research@biocosmosafrica.org.

2. Subject line – BioCosmos Africa ID Grant Proposal – (Insert name of PI and institution)

3. For inquiries or clarifications, email info@biocosmosafrica.org.

Key Dates

1. Notice for Virtual Meeting/Workshop with prospective research fund applicants
First workshop – 18th of February 2026 –
Second workshop – 21st of April 2026

2. Virtual Meeting/workshop with prospective research fund applicants – Monday, 30^th March 2026

3. Call for Research Project Proposal – Monday, 13^th April 2026 

4. Deadline for submissions of Research Project Proposals – 5^th October 2026

5. Notification of results – Monday, 15^th February 2027

6. Project start – Monday, 1^st March 2027


The application form will be available for download on the link below(provide the link). Dully completed and signed application to be mailed to:research@biocosmosafrica.org

The application form is available for download on the link below. The application may be fully answered and signed and mailed to research@biocosmosafrica.org

Presentations made at the workshop 21st of April 2026: