Call for Partners for Solution-Orinted Research for Development (SOR4D)

Scott Wilson Nepal (SWN) is exploring participation in the Solution-oriented Research for Development (SOR4D) Programme - Phase II, funded by SDC and SNSF. We are seeking a qualified Swiss academic partner to jointly develop and submit a competitive proposal in response to this call.

The SOR4D programme supports transdisciplinary, solution-oriented research that generates scalable impact for sustainable development and poverty reduction in ODA countries. The call emphasises strong collaboration between Swiss research institutions, Global South partners, and non-academic actors.

About Scott Wilson Nepal

S.W. Nepal Pvt. Ltd. (Scott Wilson Nepal/SWN) is a leading, wholly Nepali-owned multidisciplinary consulting firm established in 2000. For more than two decades, SWN has played a pivotal role in advancing Nepal’s development, climate-resilient infrastructure, Nature-based Solutions(NbS), Risk integration management, GESI, and governance agenda through high-quality engineering, monitoring and evaluation, research, project implementation, and institutional-strengthening services.

SWN works in close partnership with the three tiers of Government, multilateral and bilateral development partners, INGOs, NGOs, and private sector institutions. Long-standing collaboration with ADB, the World Bank, USAID, SDC, FCDO, GIZ, UN agencies, and EU-funded programs reflects the firm’s strong institutional credibility, reliability, and professional standing. The organization combines strong in-house capacity with an extended network of national and international experts.

Scott Wilson Nepal will serve as the Global South implementation and practice partner, bringing extensive project and field implementation experience in Nepal and strong capacity in stakeholder engagement and community interface. The firm will support policy linkage and scaling pathways to ensure research uptake and practical impact. Additionally, Scott Wilson Nepal offers robust technical expertise in climate-resilient and green infrastructure, Nature-based solutions (NbS), Risk mitigation, and climate adaptation strategies, enabling effective translation of research outcomes into implementable development solutions.

Thematic focus and Objective

The SOR4D programme is open to all disciplines from the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, health, and life sciences. It particularly encourages interdisciplinary collaboration across research domains where appropriate. Proposals must explicitly aim for systemic and transformative solutions that simultaneously address several of the 17 SDGs. The SOR4D programme funds proposals that address one or several challenges in relation to the four objectives of Switzerland’s International Cooperation Strategy for the 2025–28 period

Proposed thematic interest (indicative):

·    Climate and environment -Focus on development that is environmentally friendly and resilient to climate change, and that benefits the disadvantaged group.  Swiss IC responded with two complementary approaches: strengthening developing countries' resilience and adaptive capacity, and mitigating greenhouse gases.

v Climate and disaster resilience for people and livelihood: Advance climate adaptation strategies, integrated risk management, and climate services to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities and livelihood.

v Healthy ecosystem biodiversity: Promote the conservation, restoration, sustainable management and valorisation of landscapes, and advance Nature-based Solutions to sustain critical services and support people’s resilience and livelihood. 

We are open to refining the concept jointly to ensure strong alignment with SOR4D priorities.

Expected role of Swiss partner:

• ·   Lead the academic component and act as the corresponding applicant
• ·       Co-develop research design and theory of change
• ·       Ensure scientific excellence and SNSF compliance
• ·       Support knowledge generation and global dissemination

Expectations from the researcher of the partner/Eligible ODA country

• ·       Support in research design and theory of change
• ·       Support in Knowledge management and coordination with the consortium partner

Interested institutions/researchers are kindly requested to share:

• ·       Brief institutional profile and relevant experience for this assignment
• ·       Initial expression of interest
• ·       Availability for a short exploratory discussion