THE KAC GLOBAL TOBACCO HARM REDUCTION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME 2025/26

Build research capacity in the field of tobacco harm reduction and raise awareness of research and its implications for public health policy.

Develop and promote the evidence base

Enable consumers to make more informed personal health choices.

Improve the implementation and understanding of tobacco harm reduction.

QUICK LINKS:

1. Read the prospectus 2. Read submission instructions

WE ARE LOOKING FOR PROPOSALS THAT WILL INSPIRE CHANGE!

Indicative examples of the types of project proposals that the scheme would like to receive:

  • improving the applicant’s understanding of science and science skills by links with, or placement within, a research team or THR organisation
  • designing and initiating an intervention project to enhance public and/or professional understanding of THR and related projects
  • forming an organisation to communicate and educate about THR
  • developing a THR intervention project within a health and social care setting
  • making and disseminating a film(s) or other media containing credible and accurate information about THR
  • organising workshops and training events on THR
  • developing science communication skills related to THR
  • conducting and publishing research on tobacco harm reduction (THR), including scoping national priorities and/or studies on THR products
  • establishing a website and/or other media resources to improve understanding of THR
  • examining how poorer countries might overcome challenges presented by ‘high tech’ THR initiatives.

If you have an idea, but are unsure about how to take it forward, or wonder whether it will satisfy our criteria, please contact scholarships@kachange.eu.

WHO CAN APPLY

The scholarships programme prioritises applications from low, and middle-income countries.

We welcome applications from any potential scholars with an interest in THR. This includes:

  • people intending to enter into the field of research into THR and/or public health
  • harm reduction professionals
  • postgraduate students
  • researchers and scientists
  • medical professionals
  • consumers
  • writers
  • internet and social media professionals
  • film makers and other audio-visual professionals.
Note: Scholarships cannot be awarded to employees or their immediate family members of organisations that receive grants from Global Action to End Smoking (GA).

APPLICATION CRITERIA

  • a well thought-out, structured and original scholarship project proposal
  • demonstration of competence to undertake the project
  • a commitment to complete the project within the 11-month period
  • the ability to design, plan, organise and oversee all stages of the scholarship project
  • working knowledge of English (spoken and written).

SCHOLARSHIP OFFER

Scholars can expect considerable input. This includes:

  • assistance in honing your proposal post-submission
  • a stipend of $12,000 to undertake the project
  • travel to and from Istanbul, Turkey to participate in a scholars’ induction programme
  • accommodation for the whole period of the induction programme
  • per diems for the duration of the induction programme
  • an online course in the theory and practice of THR
  • enrolment onto the Mentoring scheme, with a named expert mentor (read programme highlights)
  • ongoing support from the Scholarship Programme Manager
  • assistance with problem solving – both practical and academic
  • access to the THR seminar programme, featuring sessions presented by leading global experts on key issues in harm reduction
  • membership in the THRSP alumni support network, connecting past and current scholars for peer support, collaboration, and continued learning.

Mandatory Completion of UTHR

Note: All applicants must complete the Understanding Tobacco Harm Reduction (UTHR) online course before submitting their application form.
This short course gives basic knowledge about the ideas, practices, and global background of tobacco harm reduction. It helps make sure everyone understands the key features of tobacco harm reduction before applying. Click here to access the UTHR course. Completion of the course is mandatory and will be checked before your application is reviewed.

WHAT SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS CAN EXPECT?

  • attendance at the induction programme in Istanbul in November 2025
  • the opportunity to hear the experiences of previous scholars
  • support in identifying ‘next steps’ in a possible career in the field of THR
  • a bespoke scholar’s programme
  • expert mentoring and support throughout the scholarship programme
  • the possibility of showing the outcome of your project at GFN (Global Forum on Nicotine) or similar event in 2026

REQUIREMENTS

The scholarships programme prioritises applications from lower, and middle-income countries.

SUCCESSFUL SCHOLARS WILL BE REQUIRED TO:

Attend the Induction Programme

All scholars must be available in November 2025 to participate in the induction programme, which will be held in Istanbul, Turkey.

Learn

All scholars must complete induction courses (online).

Report

All scholars will be expected to provide a 6-month progress report and a report of the project at 11 months.

Share

Selected scholars may be invited to various events in 2026 to share learning and experience.

Complete Academy

Complete the THR online academy for scholars.

Progress

Submit progress updates and a final report at the end of the scholarship.

Participate

Actively participate in the seminar programme.

Agreement with K•A•C
Enter into a scholarship agreement with Knowledge•Action•Change

Funding Source
Acknowledge in any outputs that funding for their scholarship was provided by Knowledge•Action•Change

Content Agreement
Agree to their names, biographies and photograph being placed on the scholarship programme website alongside any appropriate outputs from their scholarship

THRSP IMPORTANT DATES:

  • Call for Applications

    May 2025

  • Deadline for Receiving Applications

    31 July 2025

  • Notification of Results

    September 2025

  • Contract Signing and Beginning of Projects

    October 2025

  • Participating in the Induction Programme

    November 2025

  • Interim Project Report

    March 2026

  • Final Project Report

    August 2026

NEXT STEP

Read Submission Instructions

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE THRSP PROJECT

FINE PRINT

  • attendance at a bespoke programme for scholars, gives scholars a unique opportunity for learning & for implementing the knowledge and skills gained in their home countries.
  • the scholarships are a K•A•C project delivered with the help of a grant from the Global Action to End Smoking (GA).
  • the programme is independently designed and run by K•A•C. The contents, selection and presentation of facts, on this website or in Scholar's published materials, as well as any opinions expressed herein, are the sole responsibility of the authors and under no circumstances shall be regarded as reflecting the positions of the Global Action to End Smoking (GA), Inc.
  • completed projects may be included in future versions of the K•A•C publication 'The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction' and may also be included on this website.