The PAIE Scholars Program 2026 – AI Research Training and Up to US$75,000 in Pilot Funding supports researchers in eligible low- and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia developing policy-relevant evaluations of AI applications for social good.
Background & Program Description
The PAIE Scholars Program supports researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Africa and Asia who want to develop rigorous, policy-relevant evaluations of AI-enabled interventions addressing social and economic challenges.
Selected scholars receive training in randomized evaluation and AI intervention evaluation. Those who complete the first phase can receive a US$1,000 award. Further stages may provide proposal-development support, research mentorship, and competitive pilot funding.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be resident researchers based in an eligible LMIC in Africa or Asia.
- Have completed a PhD in economics or another relevant empirical discipline.
- Have advanced quantitative training in areas such as statistics, econometrics, causal inference, experimental methods or machine learning.
- Demonstrate an interest in evaluating AI-enabled interventions.
- Have sufficient English proficiency.
- Be available to complete the required programme components.
Applicants must have their primary professional affiliation with a university in an eligible country.
Program Benefits
The programme has several stages.
AI Research Training
Selected scholars will complete training covering randomized evaluations and evaluation of AI-enabled interventions, including online modules, workshops, reading materials, and a proctored assessment.
US$1,000 Completion Award
Scholars who complete the required training, pass the PAIE assessment, and submit a qualifying revised concept note can receive US$1,000.
Proposal-Development Support
Selected scholars may receive a proposal-development and travel grant of up to US$10,000 to develop their research idea into a full pilot proposal.
Pilot Research Funding
Following a separate competitive review, successful pilot proposals may receive up to US$75,000 in PAIE pilot funding. Receiving an invitation to submit a proposal does not guarantee funding.
Application Requirements
Applicants will complete an online application covering their academic background, research experience, quantitative training, and interest in AI evaluation.
The application requires:
- CV.
- One to three examples of research.
- Brief statements about research experience and interest in the programme.
- A working concept note describing the proposed research idea and how it could ultimately lead to a randomized evaluation.
Applicants do not need a fully developed research project or implementing partner at the initial application stage.
Application Deadline
Applications open on 17 September 2026 and close on 16 October 2026 at 12:00 PM ET. Selected scholars are expected to begin training in November 2026.
Ready to Apply?
Prepare your CV, research examples, statements, and working concept note, then submit your application through the official PAIE application system before the deadline.
Application deadline: 16 October 2026 at 12:00 PM ET.
Questions: paie@povertyactionlab.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the PAIE Scholars Program for?
It is designed for researchers based in eligible low- and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia who meet the programme’s academic and research requirements.
How much pilot funding is available?
Successful pilot proposals may receive up to US$75,000, following a separate competitive review.
Is there funding before the pilot stage?
Yes. Selected scholars can receive a US$1,000 completion award, while some may subsequently receive up to US$10,000 in proposal-development and travel support.
Do applicants need an implementing partner?
No. An implementing partner is not required at the initial application stage.
When does the application close?
The deadline is 16 October 2026 at 12:00 PM ET.
Final Thoughts
The PAIE Scholars Program combines AI research training with a staged pathway toward research development, mentorship, and potential pilot funding. Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements and prepare a strong working concept note before the October deadline.
Disclaimer: This article is for information and opportunity-sharing purposes only. We are not affiliated with J-PAL or the Project AI Evidence initiative.
Keywords: PAIE Scholars Program 2026, AI research funding, AI research training, J-PAL PAIE, pilot research funding, US$75000 research funding, AI for social good, randomized evaluation, researchers Africa, researchers Asia, LMIC research funding
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