Connecting 100x Impact Accelerator with LSE’s research community to support evidence- and evaluation-based research that helps to solve the world’s toughest problems.
Evidence-based research is rooted in the need to understand the cause of things. This not only enhances knowledge of our ventures but also fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration.
Professor Stephan Chambers, Marshall Institute Director
Established in 2022, 100x Impact Accelerator identifies, invests in, and accelerates the most promising social enterprises that are addressing the world’s most pressing social problems.
In order to leverage LSE’s research rigour, 100x are dedicating up to £500,000 each year to support evidence-based research at LSE in the form of Research Grants. These Grants will directly connect 100x with the wider LSE community and provide a link between LSE researchers and visionary social entrepreneurs working to solve the world’s most challenging issues.
Research Streams
There are three research streams eligible for funding:
Applicants are eligible to apply for project funding ranging from £15,000 to £100,000. Proposals falling below £15,000 or exceeding £100,000 will not be considered.
Grant Period
Each 100x Impact Accelerator funded research project is expected to be completed within 12 months of the official start date. The official start date must be by the end of June 2025.
Application Details
Applications open on 04 November 2024 and close on 31 January 23:59 2025.
To apply, you must complete an application form (for staff or PhD students, as appropriate) and budget template detailing the project aims, proposed plan of action, and alignment with one of the Research Streams, along with a data management plan, and ethical approval confirmation will need to be completed.
If you have a project in mind but would like to discuss your proposal with a member of the team before applying, get in touch with us at research@100ximpact.org.
FAQs
Any member of salaried academic or research staff in employment at the LSE, or PhD student whose studies are active, for the duration of the grant period can apply for a 100x Impact Accelerator Research Grant.
Directly incurred research staff costs, including hourly paid research staff costs, are eligible to be charged to 100x Impact Accelerator Research Grants. Directly allocated and professional service staff costs are not eligible. Grants cannot be used for buy-outs or PFRs.
Funds can be used towards hosting an event that relates to the project, but the majority of the Grant should be used for original research that fits within one of the three Research Streams outlined.
Funds can be used to pay for travel that specifically relates to and supports the progress of the project, but the reasons why the travel is necessary should be clearly stated in the application.
Funds can be used to cover conference registration and associated travel costs where the work and findings of the 100x Impact Accelerator-funded project are being presented, but the majority of the Grant should be used for carrying out the original research that would be being presented. The Grant cannot be used to cover conference attendance for any other work not funded by 100x Impact Accelerator, 100x Impact Accelerator should be acknowledged in the presentation, and a copy of the conference details and presentation abstract should be shared with research@100ximpact.org in advance of the event.
100x Impact Accelerator Research Grant funds can be used to fund work that relates to and complements an existing research project, but there should be a distinct, specific element of the work that the Accelerator funds are being used for, linked to a specific venture or intervention.
The 100x Impact Accelerator Research Selection Committee will consider all applications individually against the established selection criteria prior to meeting in June to decide collectively on which projects will receive funding. The Selection Committee are:
Prof. Susana Mourato - Vice President and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research)
Prof. Charles Stafford - Vice President and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Faculty Development)
Prof. Stephan Chambers - Director, The Marshall Institute
Prof. Jonathan Roberts - Teaching Director, The Marshall Institute
Prof. Julian Le Grand - Professor of Social Policy, The Marshall Institute
Prof. Saul Estrin - Emeritus Professor, Department of Management
Dr. Juanita Gonzalez-Uribe - Associate Professor of Finance, Department of Finance
Georgia Kewley- Head of Programme, 100x Impact Accelerator
Dr. Keri Rowsell - Head of Operations, 100x Impact Accelerator
Unfortunately, only new applications can be considered by the Selection Committee, unless the Committee specifically requests a resubmission.
Yes, members of the Selection Committee are eligible to apply for a grant, however they will be required to recuse themselves from consideration of their application.
100x Impact Accelerator Research Grant funds can only be used for research involving ventures already linked with the Accelerator.
As the project is a benefit in kind to the venture and the LSE researcher is be leading the work, it is expected that venture staff time will not be charged to 100x Impact Accelerator Research Grants. If there are exceptional circumstances that mean that without buying out the venture staff time the project could not go ahead, then venture staff time can be included in the budget and a clear supporting case for this should be included in the budget justification section of the proposal.
