Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization for Gender Equality and Inclusion Programme
Section
The IDB Group initiative, GDLab, has launched a new call for proposals on “Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization for Gender Equality and Inclusion” co-funded with CAF - Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean.
The call supports rigorous academic studies that assess how artificial intelligence and digital tools can improve access, participation, and outcomes for women and underserved groups, and identifies strategies to strengthen digital and analytical skills relevant to an AI-driven economy.
Identify effective strategies to develop the digital and analytical skills needed by women and historically excluded groups to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the digital and AI-driven economy. Studies must focus on one or more of the 26 IDB borrowing member countries or CAF’s member countries in Latin America and the Caribbean and apply quantitative methods capable of establishing causal relationships using structural models, experimental, or quasi-experimental evaluations.
Proposals including qualitative components will be considered only to the extent that they serve as an input for the implementation of quantitative methods. Projects that offer concrete, actionable insights for the public institutions, the private sector, and multilateral organizations are especially encouraged. Selected studies will undergo external peer review and may be considered for publication in the working papers series of the IDB and CAF. Publication in academic journals is also encouraged. This call seeks research proposals that provide rigorous quantitative evidence in one or more of the following areas: Digital Capabilities, Digital Public Services, Economic Empowerment, Gender-Based Violence, Crime Prevention and Access to Justice, Health Systems, Equitable Learning, Algorithmic Design and Inclusive Decision-Making.
The proposals will be evaluated based on thematic relevance, innovation, methodological rigor, team capacity, and the potential for scalability and replicability. Researchers may apply under two funding categories. Category I is designed for quantitative diagnoses that establish causal relationships, with a maximum funding of US$20 thousand and a completion timeframe of up to 12 months starting in March 2026. Category II supports pilot interventions to rigorously evaluate the impact of interventions or pilot programs, offering up to US$100 thousand with a maximum duration of 18 months starting in March 2026.
Eligible applicants include independent researchers or research teams affiliated with universities, research centers, or public and private entities. Applicants must be citizens of one of the 48 IDB member countries. Funding must be used exclusively for research-related activities such as data collection, access to secondary data, and IRB certification, with overhead costs capped at 15% of direct project costs.
The selection process will be overseen by a Scientific Committee composed of independent experts and specialists from the IDB Group and CAF. Chosen teams will receive feedback and technical guidance during the research period and will be required to participate in discussion seminars and technical exchanges. Proposals must be submitted by October 7, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
